Tag Archives: charity

Raise funds while shopping for dad at Woodland Mall

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By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org


Woodland Mall is fundraising for Movember in honor of Men’s Health Month and, in celebration of Father’s Day, offering a giveaway and gift guide for shoppers.

Camping gear items available from REI. (Courtesy)

Through the end of June, community members are invited to join Woodland Mall in supporting Movember, a charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. The organization focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. As the leading charity for men’s health, Movember raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programs that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives.

This month, the mall is donating $500 to the organization and encouraging the community to support the cause as well. To give, individuals can scan the QR code throughout the mall or visit the Woodland Mall team page.

“We’re honored to help raise funds for Movember as a way to support all the incredible fathers and father figures out there,” said Mikia Ross, interim senior marketing director for Woodland Mall. “Movember is a fantastic charity that raises awareness for men’s health on a global scale. We look forward to partnering with the community to contribute to such an important cause.”

In celebration of Father’s Day, the mall is also offering a sweepstakes giveaway featuring a gift package for a father which includes gifts cards to REI and the Cheesecake Factory. The giveaway is  from Tuesday, June 14 through Thursday, June 16. To enter the contest, visit Woodland Mall’s website, Facebook or Instagram.

Mall hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-6 p.m. Sunday.

Degage seeks donations, volunteers for annual Christmas store

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A guest selects some items from the Degage Christmas Store Express. The store will be open again this year with social distancing guidelines in place. (Supplied)

By Anna Johns
WKTV Intern

The holiday season is expected to look different this year but Degage Ministries is not letting these hardships get in the way of Christmas. Degage Ministries annual Christmas Store Express has been going on for a number of years and this year will be no different, according to organizers.

The goal of the store is to help low-income and homeless residents of the Heartside neighborhood purchase holiday gifts for family and friends. They will be reselling household items, clothing, toys, and more to residents at reduced prices. The store will provide those in need an opportunity to feel dignity and value in not only choosing, but also paying for the gift items. Individuals who cannot afford the store have an opportunity to earn Degage dollars that they can use for shopping.

“This is a great way for people to bring the brightness of their lives to Christmas this year,” said Degage Ministries Event Coordinator Kristen Aidif.

 

Items sold at the store are donated by the community and Degage Ministries is currently looking for donations for the shop. This year, organizers have created an Amazon wishlist to make it easier for the community to help. Items can be purchased from the Amazon wishlist and will be sent directly to the ministry.

Another option is to purchase items listed on the wishlist and drop them off at any Center for Physical Rehabilitation location, which there is a location in the City of Wyoming at 1736 Gezon Pkwy., Suite 100, and near near the City of Kentwood at 7150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Suite B. These items should be dropped off unwrapped and donations must be received no later than Dec. 9. 

The store will be open Dec. 16 and 17 at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. They are also looking for community volunteers and those who are interested can find more information here. 

At this year’s Christmas Store Express event, participants and volunteers will need to wear masks and social distance the required six feet. (Supplied)