Dear Friends of Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners,
As the four of us reflect on the past year we are truly amazed how God has repeatedly opened doors for Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners. He heard our simple prayer, “Lord, please put someone in our path so we might serve you.” God is writing this story, and this is how it’s unfolding.
- We witnessed first-hand a blueprint for gleaning after visiting Ontario and Niagara Christian Gleaners. It’s inspirational to see Canadian gleaners producing 68 million meals to feed the hungry worldwide.
- We can’t stop praising God for a generous supporter who purchased a 23,000 sq. ft. building for our use! Our new address is 5541 King Highway.
- In October we hosted 210 people at our October “Fall Harvest Share the Bounty Fundraiser” which was held at our gleaner building. We were able to raise $165,000!
- God continues to show us connections and people willing to help build Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners. Contractors, architects, engineers, and many more have joined our team to renovate our building. A new roof was recently installed, and we hope to begin renovations in January.
- We’ve met with additional farmers who embrace our vision and are eager to share their abundance of produce to feed the hungry.
- Watching God in action is awe-inspiring. The blessings just keep coming. God’s favor provided an opportunity for us on November 21 as we received a $75,000 matching grant pledge from a generous supporter! This means that if we raise $75,000 this supporter will contribute an additional $75,000. These funds will be applied to the purchase of the dehydrator which is the most critical component of our food processing system.
- Our prayer is that God will open your hearts to contribute to this $75,000 drive for our dehydrator. Please donate and help us move Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners closer to feeding the hungry.
The solution to world hunger is literally growing all around us. Southwest Michigan is blessed with an abundance of produce. God has shown us an opportunity to make a difference. What a joy!
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Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Jim and Jane Van Tuinen
Nate and Mary Rykse
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Yes! I would like to support Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners
and help meet their matching goal of $75,000.
Mail a check to:
Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners
PO Box 19023, Kalamazoo, MI 49019
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On December 2 WZZM13 News did a special interview with Sus Manos Gleaners in Grand Rapids as they produced their one millionth meal for Ukraine and Haiti this year! Tim Paauw said, “It’s just the beginning. Our biggest hope is that we can spark a movement…There is also a group in Kalamazoo that will soon be doing the same. It’s called Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners. They now have a building and are hoping to open their doors in the coming year.”
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