“Fill the Trailer” helps Michigan Veterans

A group of people standing in front of a trailer

Event provides essential personal care items

Nov. 19, 2025

Across Michigan, the necessity of heating, staying warm takes center stage—especially when frigid winter weather takes hold.

Beyond wintertime, though, thousands of Veterans across the Great Lakes region are in need of other practical, yet essential, items.

To help provide such items throughout the year, the Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition (GLBVC) hosts “Fill the Trailer” every November.

Now in its sixth year, the event draws approximately 50 volunteers who collect, sort and prepare personal-care packages. The packages are distributed to Veterans starting in December.

“Toothpaste, soap, socks, deodorant, laundry detergent, shavers, lotions—they are very basic to most people,” said Brad Blanchard, president of the volunteer-run GLBVC. “For Veterans and their families, receiving these personal care packages can be transformative on many levels.”

“Every donation helps restore Veterans’ dignity, lifts their spirits and contributes to improving their confidence and outlook.”

—Brad Blanchard, GLBVC president, and his daughter Moira Cutler, U.S. Army retired

Providing a helping hand

GLBVC and its partners compile more than 28,000 items to include in the packages. Veterans receive the packages through VA Saginaw Health Care, as well as through 10 Michigan community-based outpatient clinics.

Together, their efforts help provide hygiene and other self-care products to approximately 160 Veterans each month.

“The Great Lakes Bay Veterans Coalition does incredible work for our Veterans and their loved ones,” said Kirstie Staelens, Enbridge senior advisor, community engagement.

“Like energy and heat, such basic necessities can be overlooked but they are really transformative and should be readily accessible. Enbridge is proud to partner with GLBVC to make that happen,” she adds.

People in an office with a collection of hygiene products

Blanchard, a nine-year Navy Veteran, noted that the growth of the program would not be possible without help from many dedicated volunteers and community and corporate partners, including Enbridge.

“This program doesn’t happen without organizations like Enbridge,” Blanchard said. “To go from a few people donating items to collecting literally tons of items is phenomenal—no doubt about it!”

With roots dating to 2010, GLBVC officially became a not-for-profit organization in 2021.

GLBVC gathers donated items throughout November for Fill the Trailer. For 2025, it anticipates delivering approximately 6,000 pounds of items by Dec. 12.

Learn more about supporting Fill the Trailer.