The Gun Lake Tribe has announced $20,000 in holiday season donations to several West Michigan charitable organizations, with donations that reached charities in Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent and Ottawa counties.

 

Employees of the tribal government independently held donation drives, collecting food and clothes that were donated to two additional charitable organizations in Grand Rapids and Allegan County.

 

“During this holiday season we wanted to help local charities achieve their mission of making lives better for those less fortunate,” said Gun Lake Tribe Chairman, Bob Peters. “These seven West Michigan charities are truly deserving of the support provided by the tribe and its employees.” Each was given a $4,000 donation.

 

*Sylvia’s Place, Allegan County, provides emergency assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence:

 

*Manna’s Market, Barry County, provides food, baby items and clothes for those in need.

 

*Open Doors, Kalamazoo County, offers programs for homeless men and women, and apartments for low-wage working individuals and families.

 

*West Michigan Veteran Assistance Program, Kent County, helps homeless and nearly homeless veterans and their families with food, housing, financial/medical needs and other needs.

 

*Nestlings Diaper Bank, Ottawa County, provides diapers and wipes for low income families.

 

The tribe has more than 120 government employees who volunteered time and contributed donations to collect more than 1,782 food items for the Allegan County Food Pantry Collaborative, which supports 15 food pantries throughout the county.

 

Tribal government employees also collected clothing items that were donated to the Ronald McDonald House in Grand Rapids to fulfill Christmas wish lists of needy children.