Turning Compassion into Action: Isabella Bank Volunteers Unite to Fight Food Insecurity
On Monday, October 13, more than 75 Isabella Bank employees rolled up their sleeves across three counties—Gratiot, Isabella, and Montcalm—to turn compassion into action. Partnering with United Way of Greater Central Michigan, these dedicated volunteers spent the day assembling 1,200 BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowl kits for local families in need.
The event, part of Isabella Bank’s annual “Compassion into Action” community service day, brought together 30 volunteers in Gratiot County, 30 in Montcalm County, and 15 in Isabella County. Before diving into the hands-on service project, volunteers spent time learning about the impact of United Way’s work and the challenges faced by ALICE families—households that are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. Through a short presentation and an interactive online ALICE Simulator, participants experienced the tough financial choices many working families are forced to make each month—like deciding between paying rent or buying groceries.
With a deeper understanding of the needs in their own communities, volunteers got busy bringing hope to the table. They formed assembly lines to tape boxes, measure out ingredients, and carefully pack each meal kit with beans, corn, chicken, rice, BBQ sauce, seasoning, and a recipe card—complete with a handwritten note of encouragement on the back.
By the end of the morning, 1,200 meal kits were complete and ready to be distributed through local food pantries, ensuring families have access to a warm, hearty meal. Representatives from agencies arrived to pick up the kits, ready to share them with families they serve:
Isabella County: Community Compassion Network (250 kits)
Gratiot County: Community Cabinet (100), Alma First Presbyterian Food Pantry (125), Salvation Army (125), and Ithaca Presbyterian Food Pantry (125)
Montcalm County: Arms of Love (175), Hope’s Pantry (150), and Sheridan Assembly of God (150)
In total, eight agencies across mid-Michigan received the 1,200 food kits.
“Days like this truly show the power of partnership,” said Amanda Tillotson, Community Relations Specialist at Isabella Bank. “When we come together with purpose and compassion, we’re not just packing meals, we’re delivering nourishment and hope to families who need it most.”
United Way of Greater Central Michigan extends a heartfelt thank you to Isabella Bank and its incredible team of volunteers for demonstrating what it means to Live United! Through your time, teamwork, and generosity, you’ve turned compassion into action for hundreds of local families.
