A local credit union will give away free autumn plants and refreshments at a fall celebration event on Friday.

The event, hosted by the Hillsdale Community Choice Credit Union Member Center, will feature a contest to win two $100 gas gift cards, a fire pit, and a s’mores gift basket. The bank will also offer free mums, pumpkins, donuts, and apple cider. All community members are welcome at the event and are eligible for the contest and giveaways. 

Kylie Bauer, manager of the Community Choice Credit Union Member Center, said the bank hopes to celebrate the fall season and give back to the Hillsdale community.

“Fall is such a great time of the year in Michigan, and we have a unique tradition in the state of enjoying our cider mills and donuts,” she said. “The atmosphere will be informal and friendly – we hope residents, students, and faculty from Hillsdale College and throughout the town come to visit.”

The fall celebration will take place from 12 – 3 p.m. and doubles as a food drive for King’s Kupboard Food Pantry, a ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church. Community Choice asks those interested in donating to the food drive to bring non-perishable food items to the fall celebration.

“King’s Kupboard Food Pantry is a wonderful charity that goes above and beyond for many in our community that benefit from assistance,” Bauer said. 

Cathy Shively, coordinator of King’s Kupboard, said she is excited about Community Choice Credit Union’s food drive.

“I’m hoping the event increases awareness about King’s Kupboard Food Pantry and spreads the word to people in Hillsdale County who are struggling to put food on the table,” she said. “We are grateful for any donations, they will be put to good use.”

Several local businesses, such as Glei’s Orchards and Greenhouses and Jonesville Bakery, are partnering with Community Choice for the event’s refreshments and giveaways. 

Bauer said partnering with small businesses in the Hillsdale community makes events like Community Choice’s Fall Celebration so special.

“These are the types of events we love when community organizations and businesses work together to make a difference and support each other,” she said. “It’s why we love to live and work in and around Hillsdale.”