Backpacks for Homeless West Michigan

Our Why:
Christmas Day 2020 Facebook post:
Missed our normal traditions this year. We really enjoyed Christmas evening with our children. (This was due to covid and being shutdown)

We started a new tradition. Our hearts were full and sad at the same time. It was very humbling to see the magnitude of homelessness in our very own city. Todd and I were blessed to join other volunteers and donators d

owntown Christmas morning. Tables upon tables of clothes, jackets, socks, gloves, bedding, toiletries and so much more were handed out to those in need. Those that showed up with no socks, wearing only sandals. Freezing cold hands with no gloves. Soot covered faces from standing by a fire in Heartside park. Todd looked at me and asked why my makeup was all over my face. I could not keep the tears from rolling down my face. We could not stay all day and I felt guilty about that. Going home to my warm house to cook and display gifts for our kids when so many have no home to go to. They only have with them what they can carry. The one thing I heard the most was the need for backpacks. Makes sense when everyday you must carry all of your belongings with you. This is why Todd and I co-founded Back Packs for Homeless West Michigan.