Reed Manor Project - March/April 2026
On March 12 a devastating five-alarm fire destroyed part of the Reed Manor apartment complex in downtown Jackson. 32 units were impacted with over 40 residents displaced. Since the day after the fire, JFPC (led by Director of Faith Formation Jennifer Blackwell) has been collecting and distributing clothing and personal care items to the displaced residents.
Updates on this project can be found below. Questions? Contact us.
March 20, 2026 Update:
We are no longer accepting donated items of any kind. The community has really provided us with more than we need! Reed Manor residents are welcome to "shop" the free clothing closet on Tuesday March 24 and Thursday March 26 from noon-2pm and 5pm-7pm. Those wanting to help can volunteer at this link.
Photos of the Reed Manor Clothing Closet
March 19, 2026 Update:
Attention residents of Reed Manor - A Michigan Secretary of State Mobile Office will be visiting Reed Manor to replace lost driver's licenses, Michigan ID's, car titles, and disability placards on Friday March 20th from noon-2:00pm at 301 Steward Ave. Jackson, MI 49201.
March 18, 2026 Update:
We are no longer accepting donations of any kind. Our focus now is on getting the word out to Reed Manor residents that we are here and have free clothing and personal items for them. Residents can take the Red Route 2 bus to the church and follow the driveway around the Door 4 at the back of the building. If transportation is an issue, residents can call 517-798-4276 for a ride.
March 16, 2026 Update:
Volunteers are needed to staff the clothing closet and to drive residents the short distance between St. Johns and First Presbyterian. [Sign up link redacted]
March 15, 2026 Update:
What's next for the Reed Manor project?
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We are done taking general donations. What the community has been able to provide has been terrific!
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We will now be taking donations of very specific items as we find out they are needed. These will be updated daily on our facebook page and on a sign on the door.
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We will now only be open daily between noon-2pm and 5pm-7pm. During these hours we will be both accepting donations for those specifically requested items and shuttling residents to the church to get the items that they need. This will happen all of this week. We will re-assess needs at the end of the week.
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We need help both with staffing the clothing closet and with driving residents to the church and back. If you are able to donate your time, please sign up. [Sign up link redacted]
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If you are a Reed Manor resident and want to take the bus to the church, please take Red Route 2 and walk to the back of the building to Door 4.
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If you have some of the specifically listed items to donate but cannot come to the church between noon-2pm or 5pm-7pm, please contact us at 517-798-4276.
Specific items needed tomorrow: Men's size 13 shoes, reading glasses (multiple strengths), sturdy tote bags such as those from TJ Maxx
March 13, 2026 Update:
We will be collecting the listed items until 8:00pm tonight. If there is still a need for more donations, we will open again tomorrow. Please note that we are NOT accepting household items at this time. That need will be addressed at a later date. Keep an eye on this page for updates! What we REALLY need tomorrow are helping hands! We desperately need volunteers that can sort clothing and drive residents back and forth between churches. If you can help, please stop in!
There are still locations taking general donations for the Reed Manor residents:
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Reed Manor Community Center
301 Steward Ave., Jackson, MI 49201
Saturday, March 14.…7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, March 15….7 a.m. – 5 p.m. -
United Way of South Central Michigan
536 N. Jackson St., Jackson, MI
Saturday, March 14 – Thursday, March 19.…Noon – 4 p.m.
Friday, March 20….9 a.m. – Noon