Grand Valley fans are encouraged to join Grand Valley Athletics and its partners, WLAV, SpartanNash and the American Red Cross, in relief efforts for hurricane victims across the southeastern United States.
Donation items
The American Red Cross is asking the public for donations of individually-wrapped snacks such as granola bars; fruit cups; bags of pretzels, chips, popcorn, or crackers; juice boxes or beef jerky.
Help hit GVSU’s goal of contributing 150,000 individually wrapped snacks. Something to eat can make a big difference for someone dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.
Even something as small as a snack can help those in need (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Where and when to drop off
Lakers fans can drop off these items prior to Grand Valley’s home game against Northern Michigan from 3-7 p.m. on Oct. 12 in Parking Lot B2 at WLAV’s location in Tailgate Town.
Three SpartanNash store locations are also accepting donations through Saturday: Family Fare, 6370 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale; D&W, 1116 Robbins Road, Grand Haven; and Forest Hills Foods, 4668 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids.
The 2014 tornado left serve damage in Wyoming’s Ideal Park.
Do you have a plan if you had to leave your home for days – even weeks – due to a disaster? The Kent County Preparedness Collaborative is offering a free fun and educational expo focused on keeping homes and families safe. The event will be held Thursday, April 20, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at The DeltaPlex, 2500 Turner Ave NW in Walker.
Presentations include hands-on safety activities, the Fire Safety Trailer from the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Walker Fire Department with their ladder truck, American Red Cross presenting Disney’s Pillowcase Project, safety for people with disabilities, a Shelter Simulation, free refreshments, giveaways and much more. WOTV’s Maranda will hold a safety demonstration with Operation Save a Life.
“Kent County has experienced many emergency situations and severe weather over the past few years,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “We saw tornadoes in Grandville, Wyoming and Grand Rapids last year, in Kentwood and Grand Rapids in 2014, and massive flooding in 2013. House fires and accidents are regular occurrences. How you respond in those initial moments and having a plan for what you would do next will make a difference, help you avoid serious injury and recover more quickly from an emergency or disaster.”
The Kent County Preparedness Collaborative is made of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Kent County/Grand Rapids Emergency Management, Kent County’s Sheriff Department and Health Department, Grand Rapids’ Police and Fire Departments, Walker Fire Department, Kent ISD, Consumers Energy, Operation Save a Life and others.
“We hope that those who attend the event will gain information and learn ideas on how to be more prepared for emergencies and disasters that they may face at home or in their communities,” said Leslie Montgomery-Bean of American Red Cross.
“Operation: Safe and Secure is an ideal way for families to have fun and learn at the same time,” said Karla Black Emergency Preparedness Coordinator of the Kent County Health Department. “Our involvement is just another way we collaborate with the many wonderful community partners who are dedicated to the safety and well-being of our families across the County.”
