Hillsdale, MI, July 24, 2025–
On Wednesday, July 23, the Hillsdale County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee, Y.O.U.T.H. (Youth Opportunities Unlimited Throughout Hillsdale), hosted its annual “Fill the Freezer” event to help combat food insecurity. The event aims to support local food pantries by providing $15,000 in donations.
A fan favorite among our Y.O.U.T.H. members, this annual food drive offers them a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of people right here in Hillsdale County. This year, we are proud to sponsor five food pantries and one shelter:
- Current Church
- First Church of Christ
- King’s Kupboard
- Salvation Army
- St. Anthony Catholic Church
- Domestic Harmony
Each organization received a wide variety of items, including paper goods, hygiene products, canned foods, grocery staples, cleaning supplies, and meat.
Our goal during this event is to provide these pantries and the shelter with items they may not always receive or have difficulty obtaining—especially meat and other nutritious foods, which are often in short supply. At “Fill the Freezer,” we make it a priority to ensure each organization receives its own supply of meat and specific items they request based on the needs of the people they serve.
This year, we were especially grateful to two local businesses whose support made the event a success:
- Hillsdale Meijer: We purchased all canned goods and grocery staples at Meijer, where they kindly reserved several checkout lanes just for us. This helped us shop efficiently and individually for each organization.
- M & M Smokehouse in Hillsdale: They partnered with us for $3,700 of meat and went above and beyond by delivering to the Meijer parking lot and boxing the meat specifically for each organization. Their help freed up vehicle space and allowed us to focus on other important aspects of the event.
Events like “Fill the Freezer” are vital to our community. They not only meet practical needs but also bring people and organizations together in support of a meaningful cause.
The Hillsdale County Community Foundation YOUTH was established in October of 1991. The YOUTH Advisory Council has an ongoing program for studying the assets, needs, and concerns of the young people in Hillsdale County. YOUTH has a special endowment fund, initially made possible by a challenge grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, to make available grant dollars to benefit and involve young people in Hillsdale County. Anyone wishing further information regarding the YOUTH may call the Foundation office at (517) 439-5101 or visit www.abouthccf.org.
Contact:
Leah Reiniche, Marketing Coordinator
Hillsdale County Community Foundation
(517) 439-5101, l.reiniche@abouthccf.org