160 Veterans Get Easter Meals from Delta County Volunteers

Nearly two dozen volunteers in Escanaba, Michigan spent their day making Easter brighter for 160 veterans who served their country.

The Community Foundation for Delta County organized the annual event, partnering with Enbridge and their employees who provided storage space and helped with distribution. Each basket contained a 10-pound ham, side dishes, and enough groceries to prepare not just Easter dinner but several additional meals.

"Today we are here to thank our Delta County veterans and basically that is the goal, is to reach as many veterans as we can," said Cheryl Andzejewski, president of the Community Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting community residents, and this yearly tradition puts veterans front and center.

The effort required coordination between multiple groups. The Community Foundation sourced all the food items while Enbridge offered their facilities and encouraged employee participation. Twenty-two volunteers showed up ready to pack and deliver baskets across the county.

The Ripple Effect

This Easter basket program does more than fill refrigerators. It sends a clear message to veterans that their service hasn't been forgotten and their community still has their backs.

The multiple meals included in each basket extend the impact well beyond Easter Sunday. Veterans receiving the baskets gain food security for days or even weeks, lifting a financial burden many face on fixed incomes.

These annual events also strengthen community bonds. When businesses like Enbridge partner with nonprofits and everyday volunteers show up, it creates a culture of caring that spreads beyond any single initiative.

The tradition continues to grow each year as more volunteers and sponsors join the cause. What started as a simple thank you to veterans has become a county-wide mobilization that brings neighbors together around shared gratitude and purpose.

One hundred sixty families will gather around Easter tables this year because their community chose to show up.