5th Annual Kay’s Way Returns to Support Local Families, One Gift at a Time
When the Kay’s Way Supply Drive kicks off May 8, it will build on $50,000 in items such as toothbrushes, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, socks, diapers, and baby formula donated the past four years for local women and girls.
The fifth annual Kay’s Way, a community collection event that continues through Friday, May 23, is hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative Committee. Two or three organizations are chosen each year as partners to receive supplies needed most by 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.”
2025 Partner Organizations
Isabella Child Development Center
During the past 56 years, this trusted early learning program has provided free preschool to more than 1,350 children ages 3 and 4 in Isabella County. This year's Kay’s Way will help stock its classrooms and support its endowment fund at the Community Foundation.
The preschool is located in the First Presbyterian Church on Watson Road, where work also is progressing to open the Hope Childcare Center this fall for about three dozen children.
Foster Closet of Isabella County
The Foster Closet provides essential clothing, baby gear, hygiene products, school supplies, and more to children in foster care — at no cost to foster families. Donations help children transition with dignity and comfort during uncertain 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 Wednesday, 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. Supplies (see lists below) may be dropped off in Mt. Pleasant at Krapohl Ford, 1415 E. Pickard, or Weichert Realty, 614 E. Broadway.
2. Checks for the partner organizations may be made out to and dropped off or mailed to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1283, Mt. Pleasant, 48804-1283.
3. Contributions may be made online to the Isabella Child Development Center endowment fund.
4. Donations also may be made online to the Women's Initiative endowment fund.
Support given to either endowment fund is invested and never spent. Earnings from the Child Development Center fund go to the preschool and its students. Women’s Initiative endowment earnings become grants for initiatives benefitting women and children.
Needed Supplies
During Kay’s Way, May 8 through 23, the Women’s Initiative Committee will be collecting the following supplies as requested by Isabella Child Development Center and The Foster Closet:
Laundry baskets, detergent, dryer sheets
Dish soap, Clorox wipes, all-purpose cleaner, sponges
Shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes
Bath soap, deodorant
Toothpaste, toothbrushes
Toilet paper, paper towels
Boxes of 8 crayons
Child-size scissors
Notebooks, stickers
Books (ages 3-5 years)
Makeup, makeup wipes (for teens)
Body sprays
Brushes, combs
Feminine care products
Craft kits