The Mens Club giving a special guest a ride to the Mill porch to meet with children in 2025 Christmas in the Village Parade. Photo credit: Sara Swanson.

by Sara Swanson

For the second year in a row, the Manchester Men’s Club will be holding a food drive during the Christmas in the Village Parade. They are encouraging parade-goers to bring non-perishable food with them. In recent years the parade kicked off Christmas in the Village on the Friday night before the festivities but last year it was moved to Saturday evening, capping off the festivities. This year it continues in that slot in the schedule, and Saturday December 5, the parade starts at 6pm and will make its way through downtown from Emanuel Church, ending on Adrian Street.

The Men’s Club will have donation stations throughout downtown. After the parade, they will donate everything collected to the Community Resource Center. They suggest nonperishable proteins like canned tuna and peanut butter; whole-grain staples such as pasta and brown rice; shelf-stable fruits and vegetables; cooking oil; spices; kid-friendly items like boxed mac and cheese and cereal; and essential household items like paper towels, soap, and diapers. Food should be unopened, in its original packaging, and not over six months of the “sell by” date.

The Community Resource Center is a non-profit organization that connects all community members in need with public and charitable resources aimed at decreasing their hardship and enhancing their wellbeing. They also operate a food pantry providing direct assistance to families in Manchester experiencing food insecurity. Learn more or donate directly at https://manchestercrc.org/, by calling (734) 428-7722, or emailing info@manchestercrc.org.