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SOUTH BEND — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Casinos announced Tuesday a donation of 1,000 food boxes to those in need for Christmas.

This year’s Christmas food box includes a Smoked Ham, Corn, Idaho Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing, Dole Pineapple Slices, and a Pumpkin Pie.  Distribution will be completed through several organizations in Michigan and Indiana, 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.

Recipient organizations in Michigan include Marcellus Community Food Pantry in Marcellus; Decatur Human Services in Decatur; Cooperating Ministries/Methodist Church in Hartford; Action Ministry Center in Dowagiac; Child and Family Services of Southwest Michigan; and Lawrence United Methodist Church in Lawrence.

Recipient organizations in Indiana include Feeding America Indiana in South Bend; MAC Albright in Mishawaka; Broadway Christian Parish in South Bend; Clay Church in South Bend; First United Methodist Church in South Bend; and River Park Food Pantry in South Bend.

Commenting on the donation, Rebecca Richards, Tribal Council Chairwoman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi said, “2023 marks the ninth consecutive year the Pokagon Band and its Four Winds Casinos have donated food items to those in need during the holiday season.  This annual tradition reinforces our ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and 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.”

Clayton Mason, Interim Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Four Winds Casinos added, “The organization and delivery of these holiday meals is a labor of love 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.”