Holiday Giving Programs

Holiday Giving Programs

Kentwood Holiday Giving Programs


Kentwood’s annual holiday giving programs return to spread joy and light to others this year. If you’re able to join our efforts to make the holidays brighter for community members in need, you'll find more details about each program below.

Adopt-A-Child — Nov. 15-Dec. 13

Each year, the City of Kentwood staff, local businesses, neighbors and community partners have generously given to those in need for the holidays. The Adopt-A-Child program helps support area students who are facing homelessness and other challenges while striving to succeed in school. There are currently over 300 students within Kentwood Public Schools who are homeless.

To participate in the program, select an Adopt-A-Child tag from one of the trees located at the Kentwood Activities Center, also known as the KAC, Kentwood City Hall, or in the lobby of the Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. You can also select a virtual tag online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/kentwoodgiving2023. Purchase the item(s) on the tag, tape the tag to the unwrapped gift and return to City Hall or the KAC. You can also check out a list of suggested items  and purchase them on the Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/iQkYxwb.

The last day for collections will be on Dec. 13.  City of Kentwood staff will wrap and deliver the gifts.
For questions, contact Laurie Sheldon at 616.334.5414.

Financial donation button


Be a Santa to a Senior — Nov. 15-Dec. 13

In partnership with Home Instead Senior Care, Kentwood Parks and Recreation again will host Be a Santa to a Senior. To participate, select a tag from the Senior Santa Tree located at the KAC, purchase the item(s) listed on the tag, wrap the gift, tape the tag to the outside and return it to the KAC by Dec. 13.  Visit our Facebook page for additional information and updates to the program closer to the start date.


Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree — Nov. 15-Dec. 13 Pile of hats mittens scarves

Help adorn the Holiday Hat and Mitten Tree with new or very gently used hats, scarves, mittens, coats, boots, snow pants, socks and blankets between Nov. 15-Dec. 13.

These warm-clothing donations will be distributed to individuals in our school systems and surrounding community organizations who are in need of support. Donations can be brought to the KAC during business hours.


Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry — Year-round

Donation box filled with food donationsWe’re always accepting donations for Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry at the KAC during business hours. We also have collection bins available for organizations that want to place them at their facilities. Or click the link below to make a financial donation. For more information, including a list of suggested donations, visit kentwood.us/littlefreepantry.

Financial donation button


Location Addresses and hours

The KAC, 355 48th St. SE, is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. The Kent District Library - Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave.  SE, is open 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday,  9:30 a.m.-6 p.m on Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, opens weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and closes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday at 6 p.m.; and Friday at noon.

Thank you for your generosity and continued participation in these programs!