LIFT Community Outreach

10/06/2026

The LIFT Christmas Store is coming back, and we’re excited to help families make Christmas a little brighter! ❤️

📅 Christmas Store Dates & Times:
• Monday, December 7: 4:00–7:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 9: 1:00–4:00 PM
• Saturday, December 12: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

🎁 Who Can Use the Christmas Store?

The Christmas Store is open to families who:

* Live in Kent County
* Have children newborn through 17 years old living in their household

Important: Families may use only ONE additional holiday assistance program in conjunction with the LIFT Christmas Store. This includes programs such as Santa Claus Girls, Toys for Tots, Angel Tree, or similar holiday gift programs.

💰 How Does the Christmas Store Work?

Please note that there is a cost to shop at the Christmas Store.

All gifts are priced at 10% of their retail value, giving families the opportunity to purchase brand-new gifts at a greatly reduced price. Each household will have a spending limit based on the number of children in the household. All money we collect is used to purchase more toys for the next shopping day.

Our goal is to provide a hand up, not a handout, while allowing families to choose gifts that are meaningful for their children. ❤️

📝 Registration Information

Registration will NOT open until November 1.

The registration link will be posted on the LIFT page and website https://liftgr.org/ when registration opens.

LIFT will be using the pantry database system to verify household information. If your household is not currently in the database, you will be required to provide proof of the children living in your household and identification showing your current address.

🎄 More details and registration information will be coming soon!

LIFT will create a community where individuals are supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive in the now and build for the future

10/06/2026

Looking for a fun activity to do with the kids? Check out Let's Kreate Crafts & Paint Activities for their upcoming Halloween activity. Contact them to reserve your spot.

09/26/2026

We still have two classes left for our financial literacy series. Come join us Thursday at 5:30, have dinner, and learn about budgeting. Please email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

09/26/2026

It’s hard to believe but we are only a couple months away from our annual Christmas Store. This year, we will be offering it three days which means we will be serving more children and will need even more gifts.

Amazon Prime days are coming soon on Oct 6 & 7 so we would love to take advantage of it. If you would like to donate check out our Amazon wishlist. Please note, we are accepting any new gift newborn-17 years of age even if it’s not on the list. We especially need boy gifts for ages 6-17.

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1U2HXSTFR2AH0?ref_=wl_share

If you would like to make a monetary donation instead check out our Venmo in the comments, go to our website https://liftgr.org, or send a check to LIFT and mail to 525 Cheshire NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

*more info about sign ups will be coming soon. Registration will not open until Nov. 1.

09/22/2026

The Creston Neighborhood Association will be hosting an Emergency Preparedness Session next week Tuesday. Check out the flyer to learn more and RSVP.

09/20/2026

We are excited to announce a new LIFT program: Create and Connect

Create & Connect will be a FREE monthly gathering designed to give teens and adults a chance to slow down, learn about simple self-care and mental wellness topics, get creative, and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our first gathering will be Wednesday, October 21 at 5:30 PM at 2nd Church. We’ll be creating a beautiful fall centerpiece! 🌻 Spots are limited, so be sure to reserve yours by emailing [email protected]. We can’t wait to create and connect with you!

09/19/2026

We are so excited to partner with LMCU to be able to offer our first financial literacy series. This series will be held on three Thursdays and geared towards 16-24 year olds.

We start this Thursday, Sept. 24th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at 2nd Church 525 Cheshire NE. Dinner will be provided each week. We still have some availability if you would like to join us. Send an email to Michelle at [email protected].

09/17/2026

Last week, we had the joy of celebrating ONE YEAR of LIFT Community Outreach! 💙

One year ago, LIFT officially became a 501(c)(3), and what an incredible year it has been. We are so thankful for every volunteer, donor, partner, and community member who has helped make this journey possible.

In just ONE year, LIFT has been able to help many people throughout our programs.

📌 VITA Tax Program – 702 tax returns completed, putting $1,361,726 back into the community, with the help of 46 amazing volunteers.

🎒 Back to School Program – 248 children received school supplies and backpacks.

👗 Dance Boutique – Homecoming Edition – 29 teens received a dress or suit, along with shoes and accessories.

💃 Prom – 57 teens were served with dresses, suits, and accessories.

🎄 Christmas Store – 390 families were served, helping provide Christmas gifts for 1,000+ children.

🏠 Homeless Outreach – Over 60 people were served with support and essential items.

These numbers represent so much more than statistics. They represent people, families, opportunities, dignity, and hope. ❤️

And we’re just getting started!

We are looking forward to Year Two and continuing to grow, expand our programs, build partnerships, and serve our community in meaningful ways.

If you would like to help LIFT continue growing our programs and reaching more people, we would be incredibly grateful for your support. Every donation makes a difference!

💙 Donate through our website: www.liftgr.org
💙 Venmo: -CO
💙 Mail a check to:
LIFT Community Outreach
525 Cheshire NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Thank you for believing in LIFT and helping us LIFT individuals and our community! 💙🙌

LIFT will create a community where individuals are supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive in the now and build for the future

09/15/2026

Our financial literacy series begins next week. We still have spots open that we would love to fill. Dinner will be provided and a small incentive for those that complete all three classes. Please rsvp to [email protected] to hold your spot.

09/07/2026

Looking for simple ways to take better care of yourself without breaking the bank? 💙🧡 Join LIFT Community Outreach and Calvin University nursing students for a FREE Health & Wellness Class on Wednesday, September 30! This fun, practical evening is designed for ages 16 and up and will include easy homemade meal ideas, tips for grocery shopping on a budget, and a hands-on make-and-take recipe. Plus, dinner is provided! Come learn something new, enjoy a meal, and leave with practical ideas you can actually use. We’d love to have you join us!