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151/15Mel Trotter Ministries hosts its annual Christmas luncheonBy Charlie Nick | cnick@mlive.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Mel Trotter Ministries continued an annual tradition Wednesday, hosting a free Christmas luncheon to hundreds in need in the Grand Rapids area. The nonprofit organization has been dedicated to combating hunger and homelessness for decades by providing vulnerable families and individuals with meals, shelter, and resources. Approximately 300 men, women, and children came to the event Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the ministry, 225 Commerce Ave. SW. Community members fellowshipped after selecting a Christmas meal of their choosing from an expansive menu. “There is a level of dignity here where people can come in, sit down, and have a wonderful meal of their choosing,” said Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries. “It’s an opportunity to give people hope and celebrate Christ. It’s an opportunity for them to get a warm meal for Christmas.” The community luncheon was from noon to 2:30 p.m. After placemats were set and guests were seated, volunteers and staff members arrived at each table to collect the orders of each individual, starting with beverages and appetizers. Community members had a choice of honey baked ham, beef pot roast and roasted chicken, scalloped, garlic or feta mashed potatoes, and braised cabbage. To kick off the holiday feast, guests had multiple appetizers to choose from including a festive berry salad, meatballs in a cranberry sauce and deviled eggs. There were plenty of desserts like cheesecakes, pies, and cookies to choose from. “It feels special, a lot of people go hungry and it is nice for them to put this on,” said Courtney Schwab, resident of the shelter through Family Promise of West Michigan. “Everybody gets to eat and there’s enough food for everybody - I’m getting the ham.” With many regular staff and volunteers serving the guests at the tables, organizers say the event is a unique way for families and individuals to interact with familiar faces from the ministry in a new light. “It’s nice getting to connect with guests on a different level in more of a serving way,” said Hailey Muller, triage coordinator of the Mel Trotter Ministries Shelter. “They will talk about this forever and it’s a great way for them to feel loved and to connect with them here and now.” Some community members in attendance commented on the warmth and cheer that filled the air, reflecting the spirit of the season. “Our guests come from humble backgrounds right now and it is nice to serve joy,” said Michelle McIsaac, staff member at the Mel Trotter Ministries. Visit the Mel Trotter Ministries website to learn more about their resources and how to get involved. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.