United Way of Southwest Michigan and Whirlpool Corporation Donate Appliances to Emergency Shelter Services
United Way of Southwest Michigan recently donated over $3,000 of new Whirlpool Corporation appliances to Emergency Shelter Services in Benton Harbor. These appliances were from the recent online-only Whirlpool Appliance Sale that took place December 3-14 at whirlpoolappliancesale.com.
Emergency Shelter Services released a statement about the donation that reads in part:
Emergency Shelter Services Executive Director, Reshella Hawkins and Board Member, Amanda Rush extend their deepest gratitude to the United Way and Whirlpool Corporation for their generous donation of over $3,000 worth of new appliances, including a refrigerator, slide-in range, and a dishwasher, for our Benton Harbor Emergency Shelter Kitchen.
This donation is truly life-changing. Our kitchen is the 'heart of the home' for countless families recovering from circumstances that left them without permanent housing. It is where our clients gather daily, not only to meet their nutritional needs but also to connect with staff, case workers, and each other, fostering a sense of support and community.
After years of heavy use, our old appliances needed replacement. This timely support from United Way and Whirlpool ensures we can continue to meet the essential nutritional and emotional needs of our at-risk neighbors for many years. Thank you for strengthening the heart of our shelter home.
United Way of Southwest Michigan Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability Zack East said of the donation: “Our organization couldn’t be happier to provide access to this donation for such an extraordinary and important cause. ESS is a very valued impact partner with United Way. We simply approached our Whirlpool friends about the potential for this donation utilizing some of our unsold inventory from the sale. I think it’s safe to say knowing it will be put to immediate good use is quite heartwarming.”
The online edition of the Whirlpool Appliance Sale recently raised over $15,000 benefitting United Way from nearly 100 orders and was fulfilled with help from Feeding America, who donated the warehouse space and pickup help. Whirlpool Corporation donates appliances annually to United Way of Southwest Michigan to place on sale to the public at a discounted rate with all proceeds going toward United Way. In 2025, over $150,000 in net sale proceeds was raised from in-person and online appliance sales, which was invested in the community through United Way of Southwest Michigan’s work across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
“At Whirlpool Corporation, we deeply value our relationship with United Way because of the essential work they do in communities like ours,” said Rob Moser, Whirlpool Corporation vice president of Global Consumer Design and executive sponsor of United Way employee giving programs. “Connecting us with this critical need at Emergency Shelter Services is a perfect example of how United Way supports important services for community members.”
The next Whirlpool Appliance Sale will be in person and is scheduled for May 2 & 3, 2026, at a location to be determined by United Way partner Clark Logic, who has hosted the warehouse space for the sale the past two years in St. Joseph. To receive alerts about the upcoming sale in May, sign up at WhirlpoolApplianceSale.com. Additional information about United Way of Southwest Michigan’s work in the community is available at uwsm.org. Find out about the work of Emergency Shelter Services at essberrien.org.
About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community's most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocacy, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org
