Detroit Charities Helping Those at Christmas

With today's tough economy, it is much harder for many to have a merry Christmas with the job losses, and housing foreclosures. The ones who are affected more I feel are the little children. They still have the dreams of Santa, and all the happy thoughts that comes with Christmas. Fortunately, there are many charities that help these children, and the homeless. If we all find it in our heart to donate a toy, clothes, stuffed animal, or even money, we can make a difference in a families life at a special time of the year. I have done some researching and below I have listed places of businesses who accept gifts, and help feed the people in need. Just after Thanksgiving time you can find several organizations, already collecting to make a family or child's Christmas a better one.

1.Marines Toys 4 Tots: This program is wonderful. Before Christmas you will find boxes set up in many retail stores throughout Detroit and the outer Suburbs. Here you can purchase a toy or clothing and simply drop the unwrapped gift into the box, which will later be picked up, wrapped and delivered to a needy family.
www.toysfortots.org .

2. Cops for Kids: Not all police departments participate in this program, only the larger cities collect monies and gifts for qualifying families. They work hard to ensure no child is without a Christmas.

3. Fire Departments: Off duty firemen will stand at the intersections through out many cities in their uniform, selling the Good Fellow Newspaper. This paper is printed only for this reason of getting monies via donation for less fortunate families with children. Then the fireman will purchase gift certificates, food, and toys for the families and deliver in time for Christmas.

4.Kiwanis: I spoke to Mr Jim Heymes at the Kiwanis Number 1 chapter of Detroit Michigan. He told me they do charity work all year as well as at Christmas. They sponsor a large Christmas party for developmentally disabled children in the area. At this party they receive a gifts, eat and enjoy a nice Christmas party.
Also throughout the year they have many programs to help less fortunate people. One is called Books for Kids where they handed out 58,000 books to children in need, just this past year. Their website is www.kiwanis1.org .

5.Local Churches: Right after Thanksgiving, churches will have a donation box, where not only parishioners can donate a toy or clothes, but any one who wishes to be generous. Also during the colder months of Michigan, many churches host MCREST. MCREST, is a program where the homeless will stay in various churches for a weeks time. During this time receive care, checked out by a nurse, fed, warm place to sleep, and counseling.

6. Pet Smart: This one is for the animal lovers. Anyone who has a dog, knows of the Photo with Santa. You can have your pets picture taken with Santa for usually $5.99. You receive a color photo of your pet with Santa, and $5.00 goes to the animal rescue sponsoring this event to help care and feed the animals.

7.Capuchin Soup Kitchen: This organization serves the poor, feeding, clothing, rehabilitation, and much more. They're funding is 99.5% donations. Your money donation will feed and clothe a needy person anytime of the year, but mostly, the generosity of your kindness at Christmas. surely will be heart warming. Their website is www.cskdetroit.org .

8. Shriners: We all know, or have seen the Shriners, and the great work they do for the needy. The Shriners of the Black Madonna Church, at Christmas time help the senior citizens and needy families from all over Detroit. They accept monetary donations to accomplish their goal of servicing our less fortunate in the city of Detroit. I was given the Pastors name of Mbiyu Chui (313)875-9700.

9.Radio stations: Near Christmas, you can find several radio stations that will have a radio- athon to raise money to help out a less fortunate family. One example, is channel 95.5 Mojo in the Morning. They host a "Breaking and Entering at Christmas", where they will surprise a needy family with gifts. Tune in, and call in to donate to the station you prefer best.

10.Mariners Inn: A charitable organization helping homeless located in Detroit. They offer housing, food, and counseling to help people get back on the road to a better life. They accept donations all year round and sponsor a needy family at Christmas, giving gifts, and keeping the dream of Santa alive for children. Their website is www.marinersinn.org .

Whatever Charity you wish to donate to, they all have one goal in mind, whether is be the less fortune or the homeless. Every person, every animal, all need someone to help, in their time of need. All these charities are doing their best to provide for the people of Detroit. Whatever it is you feel to donate, be it a gift or money, you will be reaching out, and helping someone, and making their day that much brighter, in what is a cold world at times. It can happen to any one of us, at any time. This Christmas season, find it in your heart to help someone less fortunate. You can find any of these organizations in your area, reaching out to help someone, or some animal. Give with your heart and help someone in need. Thank you and God Bless.