HOLLAND, Mich.-- Elzinga & Volkers (E&V), a leading provider of construction management services, will celebrate its 70th anniversary by launching a 70 Random Acts of Kindness initiative throughout West Michigan.  

The year-long program will see all employees continuing to give back to the communities that have supported E&V’s growth over the past seven decades.  Team members will venture out into the community with the financial resources to make a difference wherever they feel drawn to help. During the campaign, everyone’s goal will be the same: make a positive impact in the lives of the people they meet. 

Christmas is over, which means it’s time to trash the tree.

Many municipalities are offering free tree recycling services to residents with a natural tree.  Some communities are planning to put the trees through a chipper and use the remnants to cover park trails and other green spaces.  Here is the schedule for live tree drop-offs:

Ada Township (Through Jan. 12)

• Ada Township Park, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Alpine Township (Through Jan. 31)

• Behind Township Hall, 5255 Alpine Ave. NW

Cannon Township (Through Jan. 10)

• West side of the township building; RHS Honor Society will help unload trees Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (donations encouraged)

Courtland Township (Through Jan. 31)

• Fire Station #1 on 14 Mile Road

WALKER, Mich.—Christmas came early to 213 Meijer shoppers, who received a checkout surprise.

On Dec. 13, the Walker-based retailer paid for all of the gifts and groceries filling each shopper’s cart, ranging from $350 to $1,200 each.  The company posted video of the event on YouTube, which you can find here.

“The holidays are a time for kindness and joy, and the Very Merry Meijer event was a perfect opportunity for us to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers,” Co-Chairman Hank Meijer said. “Our family has always believed that our customers don’t need us, but that we need them. That philosophy still guides us today. We are very thankful for our customers, and wanted to find a special way to wish them a very Merry Christmas.”