Every year, Arbor Financial’s Caring Committee looks for ways to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Since its founding in 1998, this staff-led team of volunteers has poured time, energy, and heart into supporting local charities across West Michigan. Guided by our core values: work together, do the right thing, be creative, and have fun while we serve, the committee focuses on initiatives that truly matter.

This year, their mission was clear: help families facing financial challenges enjoy a warm, joyful holiday season. Through financial gifts, item collections, and volunteer efforts, the Caring Committee proudly donated over $15,000 to eight incredible organizations. These contributions not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen programs that offer food, shelter, counseling, and hope during a time when resources are stretched thin.

Here's a glimpse of the impact 

• $2,000 to Family Network of Wyoming. Located in Kent County, this organization provides a food pantry and emergency support for families in crisis. 
• $1,750 to Mel Trotter Ministries. Located in Kent County, this organization provides a place for unhoused individuals to stay safely, meals, job training, and financial literacy assistance and classes. 
  
• $1,750 to Family Promise of West Michigan. Located in Kent County, this organization provides housing stability and case management to families in need.  
• $1,000 to the Paw Paw Lions Club. Located in Van Buren County, this organization provides grassroots service projects, food, and vision care to those in need. 
• $2,500 to Lawrence United Methodist Church to help support their community food and family outreach programs. 
• $2,000 to Hope United. Located in St. Joseph County, this organization helps provide housing stability, outreach, and financial empowerment to community members in need. 
• $2,000 to Family and Children Services in Van Buren County. This organization works with families and fostered children to provide counseling and family crisis support services, and help families looking to foster and adopt children. 
• $2,000 to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission in Kalamazoo. This organization provides emergency shelter and helps provide meals and basic needs. In addition to providing physical necessity, they also offer recovery and restoration programs, case management, life skills training, and job-readiness support to individuals and families in need. 

Behind these donations is a simple but powerful idea: small acts of giving add up to big change. Through our Casual for a Cause program, Arbor employees contribute $5 from each paycheck, turning everyday generosity into life-changing support. And because Arbor gives every employee eight hours of paid volunteer time, many of our team members also roll up their sleeves to serve these organizations firsthand.

Since 1935, Arbor has believed in people helping people. This holiday season, that belief came to life in warm meals, safe shelters, and brighter futures. We’re proud of what the Caring Committee accomplished, and even more proud of the spirit of giving that defines our team.