Thank you, Cass County Dems for Your Generous Donations to the Faith in Action Migrant
Assistance Program

This past Sunday, October 3rd , I attended the annual “Celebration of the Harvest” held by
Interfaith Action of Southwest Michigan. This beautiful service held outside in the vineyards at
Tabor Hill Winery on a glorious fall day uplifted my spirits in a way I had not expected.

I was there because the Cass County Democrats had collected items in response to Interaith’s
request for food and clothing items as part of their outreach to migrant workers. When I headed
out, my Ford Escape was completely full—seats down, things stuffed into the floor space and the
passenger seat loaded. Beans, rice, long-sleeve shirts, sunglasses, hoodies, personal care items,
blankets, water bottles, and Beanie Babies! Our group was generous!

What I learned at the service is that Interfaith collaborates with the Faith in Action Migrant

Assistance Program run by an amazing woman, Mary Anne Anselmino (she is pictured on the
right in the photo here). Mary Anne collects items on a year-round basis and then in the spring
she visits migrant camps in the area to share with workers what they need.

She talked about how important the boxed packages of Gatorade were this past summer on the
extremely hot days. She learned that workers travel light with sometimes only two shirts and
most camps only have a utility tub where men do laundry by hand. Extra shirts and hoodies to
protect their heads and necks were really welcomed. Mary Anne also learned by accident how
useful water bottles are (I was glad we collected so many of these!) and why the men love to get
beanie babies and similar items. These small squishy toys can be mailed to the workers’ children
in Mexico or easily packed as a gift when they go back home after the migrant season.

Mary Anne also shared her experience with one of the farmers who harshly told her that his
workers had everything they needed—no need to bring Gatorade or water bottles, etc. While this
isn’t a common response, it was heart-wrenching.

Interfaith also presented awards to the Sodus Head Start Teachers for their work with children
from migrant families, and to the Rev. Mike Mulberry for his environmental advocacy work. It
was an inspiring afternoon with beautiful music surrounded by people doing amazing work who
reminded us that these workers both plant and harvest our food and are an essential part of our
community. We are called to welcome them as our neighbors and honor the work they do.

Naomi Ludman