BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN, Dec. 15, 2021 – As the holiday season quickly approaches, the southwest Michigan community is preparing to continue its tradition of providing food for the holidays to residents in need. The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA) announced its sixth-annual Holiday Food Sharing Program sponsored by the City of Benton Harbor, the PGA of America and Whirlpool Corporation.
The Holiday Food Sharing Program collects and distributes approximately 400 turkeys and food boxes to local area residents and families in need of assistance from Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township and St. Joseph, Michigan.
“Giving back to those in need remains a priority in Benton Harbor during the holiday season,” said Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad. “SMCCA has provided outreach to community members thanks to the generosity of local area supporters for six years now, and we look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
All interested residents must apply for the Holiday Food Sharing Program to be considered. Registration runs through Friday, Dec. 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Applications are available at the following locations:
- Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency: 185 East Main St, S303, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- United Way: 2015 Lakeview Ave, Saint Joseph, MI 49085
- The Department of Health and Human Services: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI. 49023
- Benton Harbor City Hall: 200 E. Wall St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- City of St, Joseph: 700 Broad St, St. Joseph, MI 49085
- Benton Charter Township: 1725 Territorial Rd Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Mosaic: 510 W. Main St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Michigan Works: 401 8th St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- The Emergency Shelter Services: 645 Pipestone St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- The Salvation Army: 233 Michigan St, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
- Benton Harbor/Benton Township Senior Services, Inc: 225 Colfax Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Distribution of the turkeys and food boxes will occur on Monday, Dec. 20 from 2 pm - 4:30 pm. Applications need to be turned in at the SMCAA office to receive immediate notification and pick-up instructions. All others will be notified by mail. The food Share Program will be done in a drive-thru format again this year.
“It is a longstanding holiday tradition at Whirlpool to support local area residents in need,” said Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corporation. “We know this has been a difficult time for the community and we hope that in some small way our contributions can help to make the holiday season a little bit brighter for our Benton Harbor friends and neighbors.”
Since the program’s founding in 2015, the SMCAA has helped more than 2,400 families in and around Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
"The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship would not be the incredible event that it is without the support of the Benton Harbor community,” said Brandon Haney, championship director of the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship. “Providing meals to the community is just a small thing we can do to spread holiday cheer to many residents.”
For further information about the Holiday Sharing Program, please visit www.smcaa.com or call (269)925-9077.
For more information about the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, visit www.smcaa.com or call (269)925-9077.
For more information about the Whirlpool Corporation, visit www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
For more information about the PGA of America, visit www.PGA.org.
About the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency
The Southwest Community Action Agency (SMCAA) exists to assist people in economic need and enable them to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency while respecting their diversity. In order to accomplish the mission, they establish, coordinate and carry out programs to promote the health, education and welfare of Michigan residents with particular emphasis on low-income residents of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties. These programs include, but are not limited to; the provision and repair of affordable meals and food substances for persons qualifying for assistance in their homes or gathering places, and other educational programs and any other activity designed to provide for the well-being, education and self-sufficiency of the population. Operating programs requires us to apply for, receive, administer and disburse federal, state, local and private funds, as well as form partnership with the government and private entities sharing our purpose.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is the world’s largest sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are recognized experts in teaching and growing the game. Founded in 1916, the PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by conducting premier spectator events – PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, as well as significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and Yummly. In 2020, the company reported approximately $19 billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
Contact:
Whirlpool Corporation
Media: 269-923-7405
Media@Whirlpool.com