1. Help DA Blodgett collect more than 400 backpacks! Unlike other years, their annual backpack drive is going virtual.
The non-profit wants to collect more than 400 backpacks for the children involved in their foster care program and other services. rather than you buying the items and filling the backpacks yourself. You can go online and pick which pre-filled backpack you'd like to buy, and it will be sent directly to the agency.
The collection drive ends July 27th. Visit the website on your screen for more information.
2. A West Michigan family will soon be the stars of a new reality show. The Schwandt Family, living in Rockford, is recognized nationally for their predominantly male family.
The show centers around life outdoors, and the family themselves. "14 Outdoorsmen" takes place at the family farm in Lakeview. It`'s airing this October in about 6 to 11-minute increments, and it`s entirely filmed and produced by the oldest brother Tyler.
"14 Outdoorsmen" is airing on "My Outdoor TV".
3. Same, great local beer, but a different look. The next time you pick up a beer made by New Holland Brewing, it might look a bit different.
The company is changing its branding. The style is more modern, and there's a windmill logo as a nod to New Holland's Dutch heritage.
The new six and twelve-packs will be on shelves either next month, or in September.
4. Walmart is planning a new membership program called Walmart Plus later this month. It's expected to be similar to Amazon Prime with same-day grocery deliveries and discounts at Walmart gas stations.
It will also include an 'in-home' service where deliveries are made directly inside a home and fresh groceries are put in the fridge. Walmart had put plans for the program on hold, due to the pandemic.
5. Paying it forward, one social media challenge at a time. A guy in Ohio decided he wanted to do something nice for a stranger, so he asked his family and friends to help him raise money through the "Venmo Challenge".
It's when you ask your family, friends, and social media followers to donate what they can to your account. Then you donate that money to someone in need. Or in this case, food service workers.
He ended up raising $650 and tipped a waitress with the money while he was on vacation in Virginia Beach. She was so happy and shocked by the kind gesture, she shared it with other servers at the business.
