About MAP
Mission for Area People is an independent, not-for-profit, local charity that has been dedicated for over 45 years to serving the needs of area residents who live in poverty and extreme need.
Originally inspired by area Methodist churches, over 50 West Michigan churches now see MAP as an extension of their ministry and support MAP through donations and volunteers.
- In 2009 over 3,000 individuals received food from the Healthy Food Pantry.
- Direct donations from business and individuals combined with food drives sponsored by churches, schools, and organizations, provide nearly $27,000 in food to the Healthy Food Pantry annually.
- Over 7,000 individuals visit the Clothing Pantry each year. Donated clothing has a value of over $12,000.
- In 2009, 765 individuals received financial assistance for medical emergencies not covered by insurance.
- Eight area pharmacies partner with Mission for Area People providing the lowest cost possible for prescriptions.
- Annually over 20,000 individuals enjoy a hot meal every weekday at Supper House. The value of food provided on an annual basis is nearly $32,000.
- Volunteers are the backbone of Mission for Area People. Each year nearly 1200 volunteers provide over 25,000 hours of time for MAP programs, a value of over $115,000 annually.
ON GOING NEEDS:
Mission for Area People provided over 1,000 children in our community with new toys for Christmas 2009. The estimated value was over $30,000. MAP also provided hundreds of winter coats and blankets to keep families warm with an estimated value of over $12,300.
The Medical Support Fund has grown significantly providing in the first 3 quarters of 2010 over $31,000 in support of 647 individuals compared to 555 individuals and a total of $22,700 last year.
MAP has also seen an increase of 255 new faces in our Pantry. Many are people who have never been to a pantry before. The economic depression in our community has forced families to humble themselves to come to the MAP Food Pantry. Each year we provide food to over 1,700 individuals with an estimated cost of over $42,000.
All the services MAP provides are made possible with your help. As you reflect on the upcoming season of thanks and celebration, we hope you will keep MAP in mind with a special year end gift. Your tax deductible giift of $1,000, $500, $100 or even $20 will help support the increasing need for direct services to families in our community.
Please help us to continue to support our most vulnerable neighbors in 2011.
