Holiday Spirit Shines Bright Across the Community
This holiday season, the spirit of giving is alive and well in the vibrant city of Pontiac, Michigan! Various organizations are coming together to ensure that those in need can experience the joy of the holidays. Whether it’s shopping for gifts or enjoying festive events, there’s something for everyone to partake in.
Gift Give-Away at HAVEN
Starting off with a heartwarming initiative, HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away. This wonderful event allows survivors of domestic violence and their families to shop from hundreds of holiday gifts at no cost at all! It’s all thanks to the amazing community donations. If you want to contribute, you can easily donate through their Amazon wishlist until December 8, and gifts can be shipped to or dropped off at HAVEN of Oakland County at 801 Vanguard Drive, Pontiac, MI, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Want to give back directly? Volunteer opportunities are also available, and you can sign up on their website!
Whoville Christmas Party
Next up on the festive calendar is the Annual Whoville Christmas Party at the Shenandoah Country Club. On December 8, this event spans two exciting sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.. Hosted by the United Community Family Services and the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity, it’s a celebration filled with fun that raises funds for locals in need. If you’re planning to attend, feel free to wear your favorite Christmas pajamas for a cozy touch!
Adopt a Family with Volunteers of America
Another touching initiative comes from the Volunteers of America Michigan, which is once again hosting its Adopt a Family program. Interested in adopting a family? Head to their website and sign up by December 11, making sure that gifts are delivered by December 21. For inquiries, their friendly team is just a call or email away!
Toy Drives to Spread Cheer
As we spread holiday cheer, the Rainbow Connection Michigan is also running a Toy Drive. Donors can find a comprehensive gift guide on their wishlist and drop off gifts between December 11 and 14. Plus, gifts for all ages are being collected at several locations, including the Birmingham Fire Department and the Farmington Hills Police and Fire Department. Contributing unwrapped toys is a fantastic way to put smiles on children’s faces this season!
The Gift of Food Assistance
Helping those in need doesn’t stop at gifts! Organizations like Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners Community Food Bank are gearing up for their meal distribution events throughout December. They invite community members to help out by donating food or volunteering time, ensuring that no one goes hungry during the festive season.
Community Events and Festive Celebrations
If you feel like celebrating in person, mark your calendars for festive events like the Holly Dickens Festival happening in downtown Holly, and A Holiday to Remember in Northville on the weekends of December 7-8 and December 14-15. These energetic gatherings feature live music, food stalls, horse rides, and even visits with Santa – an absolute delight for families and friends!
Volunteer! It’s the Season of Giving
The holidays are about spending time with loved ones and giving back. Numerous organizations are seeking volunteers, so if you’ve got a couple of hours to spare, why not sign up? It could be ringing bells at the Salvation Army or helping families during the Adopt-a-Family Program. Your efforts can truly make a difference!
Get Involved!
As we gear up for this exciting season, remember there are countless ways to help. Check out local charities, attend events, or simply spread kindness wherever you go. Whether you’re donating a toy, volunteering your time, or participating in a community event, each small act counts and bring us closer together as a community. So, spread the cheer, and happy holidays to all!