GRAND RAPIDS – State Representative Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) helped distribute food and personal care items Saturday to families in the Grand Rapids area who rely on food banks and other charities to meet their basic needs. The distribution event was part of the annual “Comcast Cares Day,” in which thousands of Comcast employees and volunteers around the country come together to benefit their communities.

“I’m grateful that so many people in Grand Rapids donated their time and effort to neighbors who need a helping hand,” Brinks said. “Times have been tough for the past few years, and many families are struggling just to get by. The recent flood also harmed many of our neighbors. It’s good to know that so many people in our area are so giving, and I was glad to be able to do my part to help out.”

The day’s service projects included gathering and distributing food for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank as well as other projects, such as painting and doing outdoor clean up. Since 2001, Comcast employees have donated more than 2.6 million hours of service at 4,200 project sites around the country, and the Comcast Foundation has given grants totaling $12 million to community partner organizations.

“I thank Comcast and its employees for the good they’re doing for the people of Grand Rapids and West Michigan,” Brinks said. “Their giving spirit and willingness to pitch in makes a world of difference for families who struggle just to put food on their tables and feed their children. By donating their time, labor and money, Comcast and its workers have done a lot of good for a lot of people.”