Comerica Bank and Kalamazoo Growlers Summer Food Drive 2025
The excitement is brewing as the fourth annual Comerica Bank-Kalamazoo Growlers Summer Food Drive kicks off on June 20, 2025. Tailored to foster community engagement and fight food insecurity, this initiative uniquely combines the essence of sports with a charitable cause, inviting locals to come forward and contribute nonperishable food items benefiting the South Michigan Food Bank (SMFB).
Community Engagement and Food Security
The Summer Food Drive runs until July 24, urging residents from the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas to visit participating Comerica banking centers to donate nonperishable food items. For each five items donated, contributors are rewarded with a voucher for a Growlers ticket, an incentive aimed at rallying community involvement.
This collaborative effort is a testament to both Comerica Bank’s and the Kalamazoo Growlers' commitment to uplifting their community. Debra Hanes, the Senior Vice President and Retail Regional Director at Comerica Bank, emphasizes the importance of SMFB as a vital resource, providing nutritious meals to those struggling with food scarcity. The response from community members in previous years has been overwhelming, each contributing towards a substantial goal of assisting those in need.
New Incentives for Donors
Exciting updates to this year’s food drive include the chance for fans attending the Growlers' home game on July 25 against the Rockford Rivets to donate food at the gate. Those bringing in six or more items will receive a stylish Growlers bucket hat, adding a fun twist to charity. Additionally, a special donation event will take place during the game, where the total items collected will be announced on-field, ensuring a celebratory atmosphere around the contributions made.
Kevin Timmer, Vice President of Partnerships at Kalamazoo, expressed enthusiasm for the food drive's growth and its community impact, stating, “Our mission, 'Fun Makes A Difference,' is truly brought to life through this amazing program we have with Comerica Bank.” The partnership has successfully generated around 193,000 meals since its inception in 2022.
The Impact of Community Togetherness
Furthermore, Comerica Bank has made significant contributions totaling $32,000 to the South Michigan Food Bank over the past years. Peter Vogel, CEO of SMFB, underlined how this collaborative effort showcases the power of organizations working together to uplift local communities. Through such initiatives, they not only alleviate hunger but also foster a sense of unity among residents, promoting a shared responsibility towards community wellbeing.
Supporting Local Education
The partnership between Comerica Bank and the Kalamazoo Growlers goes beyond just food drives; it also involves significant contributions to educational initiatives. Recently, they participated in the Kalamazoo Growlers Education Day featuring the Kids STEM Fair. This event aimed to engage students from local schools in financial education, emphasizing the importance of budgeting and investing in their future.
With over 4,300 employees across Michigan, Comerica Bank remains a steadfast ally in community development and educational empowerment, fostering relationships built on trust and integrity.
Conclusion
As the Summer Food Drive unfolds, residents are encouraged to participate not just by donating but by becoming advocates for food security in their community. Accessing resources or making donations can be facilitated online through the South Michigan Food Bank's website. Together, Comerica Bank, the Kalamazoo Growlers, and community members can work towards a hunger-free South Michigan, proving that collective efforts can indeed make a difference.
For additional details or to get involved, visit
smfoodbank.org/donate and discover how even the smallest contributions can spark a significant impact on hungry families in the region.