Coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 28, is Mecosta County’s Community Giving Day. This special day is an opportunity for community members to support various non-profit organizations and learn more about their missions, visions, and volunteering opportunities.

“This event is not just something done locally,” Laura Currie said about the event. “It’s national thing. We do Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which Community Giving Day is just in time to show that generosity and philanthropy.”

The event is a collaborative effort by three significant Big Rapids groups: Big Rapids Eagles, Big Rapids Lions Club, and Rotary Club of Big Rapids. Tuesday’s event is being held at the Big Rapids Eagles on 16 Mile Rd from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

As one that participates in many different organizations, Lion’s Club member Dave Hamelund says the partnerships and collaborations made on days like this is “special.”

“Between the Lions, the Rotary, and the Eagles, all three organizations (come) together to help make this community what it is,” Hamelund said. “This is what makes Mecosta County a place we want to live.”

When asked what visiting participants can expect, Hamlund said there will be plenty of opportunities for people to navigate all the tables, meet organizational members, and learn more about what they do.

“The public is welcome to command and navigate that enables them to talk to as many as they want,” Hamelund said. “(Non-profits) bring their staff and whatever information they want to share to the different people. There's no pressure at all and it's a wonderful gathering of community.”

Over 40 different groups are slated to attend the event, including Angels of Action, Project Starburst, Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, Youth for Christ, and Area 5 Special Olympics. A full list of participating organizations can be found at: https://wbrn.com/community/calendar/20231128/details/.

This is the fourth year of the event, in which was held virtually on a Facebook live stream due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her third year helping, Laura Currie of Meceola Comfort Home says the projected numbers this year are “huge” and she is excited to see the event continually grow.

“There's a much bigger push for in-person and just bringing back that community. I think there's so much more community relationship that's built when you have those in-person interactions.”

Lunch will also be served at the event. For more information, visit http://communitygivingday.org/.