Petoskey, MI Corps Annual Report

MEETING LOCAL NEEDS IN HIS NAME SINCE 1901

2025 brought new challenges beginning with the devastating ice storm that paralyzed our region for weeks. The Petoskey Corps rolled up its sleeves and got busy doing what it does best, feeding people. Salvation Army food boxes were delivered to Central Operation locations then distributed to many area shelters via the Army National Guard. We set up shop at 3 emergency shelters to provide ready meals, bottle water and food boxes, plus partnered with Little Caesar’s Love Kitchen to provide lunch for many residents, first responders and linemen.

Around 930 meals were provided within a 2-week period and we assisted many households through our Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP) following the freeze. We also provided hot showers and toiletries which became the pilot for our new Shower Ministry Program that launched in October. Showers are now available to those in need 2 days a week from 10AM-12PM before community meals are served on Wednesdays and Fridays.

After warmer weather arrived we were blessed to install a new playground thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Neil and Marsha Bidwell. Looking forward: We excited to be taking

 steps towards developing a new local Summer Camp Program for children.

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 NEEDS MET IN 2025

FEEDING THE HUNGRY

 Pantry and Grocery: Distributed $56,675 of food through Community Meals, Food Pantry and deliveries made to strategic locations in low-income communities.

 Warm Prepared Meals: Served 10,405 meals via deliveries to mobility impaired and biweekly lunches. Provided transportation to community center from 5 strategic points.

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

 Toys: Distributed 8,464 gifts to 368 children    including those with parents incarcerated in local jails who might otherwise have had no presents to open on Christmas day.

 Holiday Food Assistance: Supplied $25,600 in food vouchers to 235 qualifying households for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 Senior Holiday Assistance: Distributed 294 Christmas gifts to assisted living facilities.

MEETING CRITICAL NEEDS YEAR-ROUND

 Thrift Store: Provided $15,750 in vouchers for clothing, household goods and furniture.

 Emergency Assistance: Provided $670,306 of direct financial and in-kind assistance to households experiencing financial hardships plus leveraged an additional $24,423 in utility assistance.