6th Annual Kay's Way Returns to Support Local Families, One Gift at a Time
The sixth annual Kay’s Way, a community collection event, will take place Thursday, May 7 through Friday, May 22. Hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Committee, the event supports local organizations by collecting essential supplies for the individuals and families they serve.
“Kay’s Way lifts up local women and girls,” Women’s Initiative Committee Co-Chair Leah Rau said. “This incredible event rallies residents across Isabella County to help others, and the resulting generosity and compassion are tremendous.”
2026 Partner Organizations
R.I.S.E. Advocacy
R.I.S.E. Advocacy supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across Clare, Isabella, and Gratiot counties. Through emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and education, R.I.S.E. helps individuals and families find safety, healing, and a path forward while also working to prevent violence in our communities.
The Care Store
The Care Store provides essential personal and household items to individuals and families who cannot purchase these necessities with public assistance. By partnering with local agencies, the Care Store ensures people have access to basics like hygiene products and cleaning supplies, helping restore dignity and stability during difficult times.
A Community Effort Powered by Kay’s Legacy
Kay Krapohl Smith, for whom Kay’s Way is named, was a passionate community advocate who believed in helping women and children thrive. In honor of her legacy, Krapohl Ford has served as a Kay’s Way drop-off site and sponsor each year. It also hosts an annual oil change day and donates 100% of all oil-change income from the Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center to Kay’s Way partner organizations. The 2025 oil change day will be Thursday, May 21.
Weichert Realtors | Broadway Realty also returns as a generous sponsor and collection site, joining Krapohl and the many community members who contribute to Kay’s Way each spring.
Four Ways to Make Your Impact
1. Drop off supplies at Krapohl Ford (1415 E. Pickard) or Weichert Realty (614 E. Broadway) in Mt. Pleasant.
2. Mail or deliver checks payable to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation (P.O. Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-1283).
3. Give online to the R.I.S.E. Advocacy or The Care Store endowment funds.
4. Donate to the Women’s Initiative Endowment Fund.
Support given to any of the endowment funds is invested, and only the interest is spent. Women’s Initiative endowment earnings become grants for initiatives benefiting women and children.
Needed Supplies
During Kay’s Way, May 7 through 22, the Women’s Initiative Committee will be collecting the following supplies as requested by R.I.S.E. Advocacy and The Care Store:
• Feminine hygiene/period products
• Laundry detergent
• Trash bags
• Brooms/mops
• Disinfectant cleaning products
• Toilet paper
• Body wash
• Twin sheet set, comforters
• Dish soap
• Body lotion
• Shampoo, conditioner,
• styling products
• Incontinence products
• Facial tissue
• Paper towels