MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Saturday July 13th, a Pig Roast Fundraiser took place during the Meridian Township Farmers' Market to raise funds for the Mankowski Holiday Party for Kids.

The event was open to the public and people could buy a pulled pork sandwich, a snack of their choice, pickles and a bottle of water, along with custom sauces that were catered courtesy of the Spartan Brew Pub with a donation of $10.

Gayelord Mankowski, a retired Meridian Township Police Officer and founder of the Mankowski Holiday Party for Kids said the annual holiday event has grown from the basement of the old East Lansing Inn to over 300 kids at our local school every year.

He also said, "It’s important because I have a little kid, it’s part of the legacy, moving forward and having a good time and we have community support already, it’s before 10 O’ clock and we’ve been bombarded with customers so everything is awesome.”

Mankowski added, “This all goes towards a big kiddy that we keep at the Township. I don’t touch any of the money. The Township has an account with the money that we raise and it goes towards December. We do the toys for the kids, get meals supplied. We also kinda help with a secret Santa program with families that have nothing and supply them with toys and gifts for Christmas.”

Mankowski has put together the Mankowski Holiday Party for Kids for the past 30 years to help local children in need in the community. This is the 30th year of the holiday party.