Kentwood inviting community to participate in Holiday Giving; hosting four programs to benefit neighbors in need

Help decorate the **Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree** with new or gently used winter clothing and blankets. See details below. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

The City of Kentwood is encouraging community members to help brighten the season for their neighbors by participating in its holiday giving programs.

“For our community members who are able, I would encourage you to consider being part of our Kentwood effort through this year’s holiday giving programs,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “This is a special time of year, and we want to help everyone in our community experience the season with good food, warm clothes, and gifts for those they cherish.”

The **Adopt-A-Child** program helps support local students who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges. See details below. (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

The City offers four giving programs that run through Dec. 13: Adopt A Child, Be a Santa to a Senior, Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree, and Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

Each program offers different options for participation:

The Adopt-A-Child program helps support local students who are experiencing homelessness and other challenges. To participate:
- Select an Adopt-A-Child tag online, from one of the trees at the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE, or in the lobby of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE., or check out the Amazon Wishlist.
- Purchase the item(s) on the tag.
- Tape the tag to the unwrapped gift and return it during business hours to City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, or the Kentwood Activities Center by Dec. 13.
- City team members will wrap and deliver the gifts.
Be a Santa to a Senior is hosted in partnership with Home Instead Senior Care. To participate:
- Grab a tag from the Senior Santa Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center.
- Purchase the item(s) listed on the tag.
- Wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside and return it to the Kentwood Activities Center during business hours by Dec. 13.
Help decorate the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree at the Kentwood Activities Center with new or gently used hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets by Dec. 13. Donations can be brought to the center during business hours and will be distributed to individuals in local school systems and through community organizations.
The City is always accepting donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry. Drop off donations during business hours at the Kentwood Activities Center or make a financial contribution at any time. For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.

The Kentwood Activities Center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. City Hall opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 6 p.m. and Fridays at noon.

The Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch is open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.