Community activist Bobby Holley is distributing outdoor winter clothing for free to youth in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Holley’s been collecting donations and raising money for the clothing initiative — which includes winter hats, mittens, gloves and coats — for several weeks, and began distributing the clothing Jan. 14.
Upcoming distributions for those in need will be held through the end of the month (or until supplies run out) at the following locations in Battle Creek:
- Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 382 N. Washington Ave., 1 to 2 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 22 and 29
- Urbandale Plaza parking lot, 1525 W. Michigan Ave., 1 to 2 pm. Saturdays, Jan. 23 and 30
- Post-Franklin Elementary School parking lot, 20 Newark Ave., 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21
- Dudley STEM School parking lot, 308 W. Roosevelt Ave., 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31
- New Beginnings Damascus Church, 156 Roseneath Ave., 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31
Due to COVID-19, all distribution will be held via outdoor drive-ups or walk-ups. Children must be present to receive the winter clothing.
For individuals interested in donating to the cause, Holley will be collecting redeemable cans and bottles, cash and new winter clothing for the initiative from 1 to 3 p.m. every Friday through Jan. 29 at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ and from 1 to 3 p.m. every Saturday through Jan. 30 at the Urbandale Plaza parking lot.
Monetary donations can also be sent to Church of the Living Water, P.O. Box 2296, Battle Creek, MI 49016.
“Keep believing in our kids and keep believing in Battle Creek,” Holley said. “Thank you for the donations.”
Pictured above, Holley performs during KCC’s 60th anniversary Community Gala Celebration in 2017.
Thanks to Battle Creek Enquirer Crime Reporter Trace Christensen for the information contained in this report.