70-year-old Michael Hadding, who has lived in Kentwood for more than 20 years, is giving back to his community donating $10,000 to the city’s Little Free Pantry. It provides nonperishable food and personal care items to people in need. Hadding explains why he decided to make such a sizeable donation.
“I can spend $100 a week at the grocery store, which I have done, but this way they can get exactly what they need, and I’ve met the people who do distribute the food, and they do have particular needs that sometimes cash is better than a donation to support those needs.”
Hadding is a retired railroad worker who often volunteers and participates in many Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department programs and activities. He was named 2021’s Volunteer of the Year for helping to clean up litter and treat invasive plants in parks and trails. He’s also been known to shovel snow at local school bus stops.
“I now have connections throughout the community. They recognize me as a good person, and what better way to be known in your community as part of it.”
Hadding said he originally wanted to make the donation anonymously, but was persuaded to give publicly in the hopes that it would inspire others to give as well.
