Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources (KAIR)

Helping Those in Need for Nearly 30 Years

By Zeke Fleet

 

Established in 1995 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources (K.A.I.R) is an interfaith, community-based volunteer organization that provides practical assistance to the qualified, elderly, frail, disabled, isolated and needy of Kalkaska County. In May 2023, the KAIR Food Pantry and Community Meal Program expanded its services to include those in need in Antrim County.

Each month, KAIR helps from 1,500 to 1,700 people through its food pantry and community meal services. KAIR’s facilities are at 324 S. Cedar St. in downtown Kalkaska, across from Kalkaska’s landmark Trout Fountain. KAIR can be reached by calling (231) 258-0060. Cathy Somes has served as KAIR’s executive director since 2014.

According to Cathy, KAIR has been responsive to the growing needs of people in the Kalkaska and Antrim County areas. Funding support for KAIR comes from area churches, businesses, individuals and grants. The following is a summary of services that KAIR provides:

• KAIR Curbside Food Pantry distributes a monthly average of 30,000 pounds of food to people in need. Food Pantry services are available weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Curbside pickup recipients can call (231) 258-0060 on arrival.
• KAIR Community Meal site, “Ladles of Love”, serves hot, nutritional meals each Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome! Area partners that help provide food include Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan, the Northwest Food Coalition, and Feeding America.
• KAIR Resale Shop carries merchandise that includes clothing, household items, appliances, bedding, furniture and toys.  Vouchers can be available for those in need. Children and teens who are not included in the Toys for Tots Christmas program are eligible to receive Christmas gifts from KAIR. The Resale Shop is open weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• KAIR Utility Assistance assists individuals and families with financial support in partnership with area churches and area help agencies. More than $200,000 in assistance funds were distributed in 2023.

Volunteers are encouraged to assist with KAIR’s meals and other services. According to Cathy Somes, KAIR utilizes 280 to 300 hours of volunteer assistance each month, including help from GT Industries in Mancelona.

For nearly 30 years, Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters in Kalkaska and Antrim Counties. Please consider including KAIR as a mission recipient through Central United Methodist Church.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,

for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.         

Hebrews 13:16

Make a gift to Central Missions now to support KAIR by clicking here.

Pictured are KAIR Executive Director Cathy Somes in the blue sweater and volunteers from left, Nancy, Deb, Tami, and Stacey on the far right.

KAIR Resale Shop

 KAIR ‘Ladles of Love’ Community Meals