2025 Community Philanthropy Award Recipient - Melissa Deming
Melissa Deming, Port Austin, was recognized on September 11, 2025 as the recipient of the Huron County Community Philanthropy Award for her collaborative efforts and positive impact on the community.
To celebrate the spirit of generosity across Huron County, the Huron County Community Foundation (HCCF) proudly presents the Community Philanthropy Award. This honor was introduced in 2024 to recognize HCCF’s 30th anniversary and pay tribute to the vision of the organization’s founders. The award honors a living individual or couple for service as a volunteer, a board member, or a donor who made a significant effort to help grow our community through philanthropy in Huron County. Nominations are submitted by community members and then reviewed by an HCCF committee to select a recipient.
Melissa Deming and her husband Jeramy at the Annual Celebration.
HCCF is pleased to announce the 2025 Community Philanthropy Award recipient is Melissa Deming of Port Austin.
When the Board of Trustees created this award, they listed characteristics the nominees should possess: commitment, leadership, impact, creativity, and collaboration. Melissa has demonstrated each of these qualities through her leadership of Thumb Blessing Boxes, an effort she founded in 2020 to increase food access in a way that is sustainable, anonymous, and accessible. What began as one small box has now grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving two counties. Today, there are 15 Blessing Box locations in Huron County as well as multiple boxes on Thumb Area Transit buses.
Melissa’s vision and creativity has created space for dozens of volunteers to step forward to serve the community. Each box is supported by its own team of stewards who clean, monitor, and share updates about their community’s box. She has also partnered with more than 40 local organizations, which demonstrates the power of collaboration to meet community needs. Thanks to her dedication, Thumb Blessing Boxes has become a model of community philanthropy in action.
In addition to this initiative, Melissa serves the community through volunteering and engagement with other organizations. She helps with Last Food Mile distributions, serves on the board of a local food pantry, writes grants to strengthen nonprofits, and advocates for mental health resources and suicide prevention. Her passion for giving back with her time, talent, and treasure reflects the very heart of community philanthropy and this recognition.
With this honor, Melissa joins Jackie Gainor of Harbor Beach, who received the inaugural award in 2024, as a recipient of the Huron County Community Philanthropy Award.
“Melissa’s leadership and collaboration represent the very best of Huron County. This award is not only a way to thank her for the incredible impact she has made on our county, but also a reminder that each of us has the power to make a difference in our community.” said Mackenzie Price, HCCF Executive Director. “This honor is our small way to shine a light on the people who work tirelessly to support our community and our neighbors," Price added.
Congratulations, Melissa! Thank you for your commitment to making Huron County, and the entire Thumb region, a place where everyone can feel included and supported.
The Huron County Community Philanthropy Award will be awarded annually at the HCCF Annual Celebration. Nominations will be accepted in August each year. Please consider nominating a living individual or couple that is committed to supporting the community through philanthropy.
Images courtesy of Carol McCarty Photography