GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Thanks to the “Griffins Give Back” program, hundreds of local unemployed workers plus their family members will receive free tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ home game on Sunday, Dec. 26.

Several thousand lower bowl tickets will be distributed through three Grand Rapids offices of Michigan Works! Beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. and continuing while supplies last, those who visit Michigan Works! in person and present both proof of unemployment and a valid Michigan photo I.D. can receive up to four free tickets to the Griffins game on Dec. 26 at 4 p.m. versus the Lake Erie Monsters.

Michigan Works! locations and hours are as follows:

• 1560 Leonard NE – Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• 121 Franklin SE – Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (no Saturday hours);
• 622 Godfrey SW – Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. (no Saturday hours).

“Lots of families are struggling during the holidays and unemployment is obviously a big issue in West Michigan,” said Tim Gortsema, senior vice president of business operations for the Griffins. “This is another way that we can give back and say thanks to the community that continues to support us so well.”

All fans in attendance on Dec. 26 will be able to enjoy special “Sunday is Fun Day!” pricing promotions at arena concession stands, as Pepsi products and Cole’s Breadsticks will each cost just $1 from 3-5 p.m. Hockey skate CrazyBands and Jan Mursak jersey cards will be given away at the turnstiles, courtesy of Jack Links, and fans can stick around for a J & H Family Stores Post-Game Skate and a Huntington Post-Game Autograph Session with Griffins players.

The “Griffins Give Back” program debuted last season and provided a total of 6,800 tickets for unemployed workers and their families for games on Oct. 25, 2009 and Dec. 27, 2009.