The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds® Casinos announced today a donation of 1,000 food boxes to those in need for Christmas. This year’s Christmas food box includes a Smoked Ham, Stuffing Mix, Mashed Potatoes, Canned Corn, Cranberry Sauce, and a Pumpkin Pie. Distribution will be completed through several organizations in Indiana and Michigan, and Four Winds Casinos team members were present today at the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, located at 702 Chapin Street in South Bend, to hand out 200 food boxes.
Additional recipient organizations in Indiana and Michigan included Feeding America Indiana in South Bend; Decatur Human Services in Decatur, Mich.; Marcellus Community Food Pantry in Marcellus, Mich.; Cooperating Ministries/Methodist Church in Hartford, Mich.; Action Ministry Center in Dowagiac, Mich.; Caring Connection in Benton Harbor, Mich.; and Lawrence United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Mich.
Commenting on the donation, Matthew Wesaw, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi said, “This annual tradition reinforces our ongoing commitment to actively supporting individuals and families in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana through a variety of causes and initiatives. We hope these meals provide a sense of relief and joy to those that receive them.”
Mary Smith, Chief Operating Officer of Four Winds Casinos added, “The organization and delivery of these holiday meals is heartwarming for our team members. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those that received the meals and the support of several organizations that helped with the distribution.”
Marijo Martinec, the Executive Director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana said, “We are grateful for our continued partnership with the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos to feed the hungry. Their generosity and long-term commitment continue to make a positive difference for many families struggling with hunger.”
About The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s sovereignty was reaffirmed under legislation signed into law by President Clinton in September of 1994. The Pokagon Band is dedicated to providing community development initiatives such as housing, education, family services, medical care, and cultural preservation for its more than 6,000 citizens. The Pokagon Band’s ten-county service area includes four counties in Southwestern Michigan and six in Northern Indiana. Its main administrative offices are located in Dowagiac, Mich., with a satellite office in South Bend, Ind. In 2007, it opened Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend in January 2018. The Pokagon Band operates a variety of non-gaming businesses through its investment enterprises, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority. More information is available at www.pokagonband-nsn.gov, www.fourwindscasino.com and www.mno-bmadsen.com.