MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - According to the most recent United States Census Bureau data, nearly 5,000 people in Meridian Township live below the poverty level. Retired Meridian Township Police Officer Gayelord Mankowski has been putting together the Mankowski Holiday Party for Kids in Meridian Township for the past 30 years to help local children in need.

HOMTV spoke with Gayelord about the Pig Roast Fundraiser on Saturday, July 13th at the Meridian Township Farmers' Market to raise funds for this year's event.

The Pig Roast will be held in the side parking lot of the Meridian Township Municipal Building from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Pulled pork sandwiches, pickles and chips will be served for a $10 donation. All proceeds will go towards the 2019 Mankowski Holiday Party for Kids which will take place in December.