Photo Credit Carmen Hughes Sr-Executive Director Community Catalyst Yanice Jackson and crew outside of distribution site #1 Transformation GEMS 3333 S Pennsylvania Avenue Lansing while cars lined up awaiting the 1:00 PM start time.
This holiday season, The Lansing Community Catalyst, led by Founder and Executive Director Yanice Jackson, partnered with The Chronicle Media Group and several local organizations to host the 5th Annual Food and Essentials Giveaway.
Photo Credit: Carmen Denise Hughes-Volunteers Outside of Distribution Site #2 Eastside Fish Fry 2417 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing.
This heartwarming event, held across two community-centered locations—Transformation GEMS and Eastside Fish Fry—provided vital support to Lansing families in need.
The event served hundreds of residents, offering much-needed resources during the holiday season, including:
350 bags of meat provided by 1910 Meats
200 bags of non-perishable food items
30 bags of household essentials
40 men’s and women’s gift bags with hygiene items and gifts, and
40 children’s bags filled with toys and hygiene products.
Months of meticulous planning and contributions from sponsors, volunteers, and community partners made the event possible. The giveaway underscored the power of community collaboration and the ongoing commitment of The Lansing Community Catalyst to support the marginalized and underserved.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
This year’s event continues the 26-year tradition of holiday food distribution started by original Chronicle News Publisher Jay Price. Lansing Community Catalyst and its partners proudly carry on this legacy, working tirelessly to uplift the community through collaboration, generosity, and service.
Yanice Jackson expressed her gratitude: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success. From our sponsors like 1910 Meats to the volunteers who packed and distributed the items, this was truly a community effort. Special thanks to Transformation GEMS and Eastside Fish Fry for hosting us and providing spaces to welcome our neighbors.”
News Coverage Highlights the Event
The event drew the attention of local media, with Channel 6 WLNS covering the impactful day. Their story showcased the importance of this annual initiative and highlighted the joy and relief it brought to Lansing residents. Read more about the coverage here.
Honoring the Sponsors and Partners
This year’s event was supported by an impressive array of sponsors and community partners, including:
The Chronicle Media Group
Eastside Fish Fry
DAP Services and Resources
Transformation GEMS
Midwest Communications (Stacks 92.1 FM, Q106 FM, DUKE FM 94.1, CRUISIN 92.9 FM)
Luv Covers
A simultaneous Coat Drive, hosted by Believe Family Outreach, which distributed coats to community members.
Corporate Sponsors:
Young of Owosso
Shaheen Chevrolet
Meijer
Comcast
Kroger
Lansing Board of Water and Light
McLaren of Greater Lansing
U-Haul
Moneyball Sportswear
Looking Ahead
The 5th Annual Food and Essentials Giveaway continues to exemplify the mission of The Lansing Community Catalyst: fostering equitable access to resources and uplifting marginalized communities. As the organization grows, events like these will remain at the heart of its work.
Photo Credit: Andrew Brewer-The Community Catalyst and Men Making a Difference partnering in 2021 for Food and Essentials Distribution.
For more information on The Lansing Community Catalyst, how to get involved, or support future initiatives, contact Yanice Jackson at info@lansingcatalyst.org or visit www.lansingcatalyst.org.
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