The annual holiday party for shelter residents at The Salvation Army is A Time to Help’s largest volunteer effort of the year. Having a special gathering for homeless parents and their children is heartwarming for everyone involved — clients, volunteers and sponsors.
With the help of a generous public, the A Time to Help holiday party provides shelter residents with holiday “shopping’’ at a gift store stocked with donated new clothing, toys and toiletries. The morning is also filled with fun activities for moms and their children, such as face painting, caricature drawings, crafts, music and dancing. The residents – and volunteers – are also treated to a pizza luncheon sponsored by Shield’s. And of course, the highlight of the celebration is a visit by Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Preparation/What to Bring: All volunteers are asked to bring items to donate to stock the Holiday Store. This is where residents can “shop’’ for gifts for their children and themselves. We encourage each volunteer to purchase at least one toy and clothing item. Gifts are to be unwrapped to ensure that each child and parent receives appropriate and safe new gifts.
Gift/Items Requested: For women: Clothing — Tops, slacks, pajamas (small to plus-sizes). Toiletries — Body wash, hair products (no hairspray), lotions, toothpaste, make up.
For children: Clothing — Boys and girls tops, shirts, pants, pajamas (all sizes needed). Toys — Children are in need of puzzles, educational toys, books, blocks, coloring books. NO markers.
Date: Dec. 3, 2016
Time of Party: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 8 a.m. to help decorate and set up.
Location: Ellen A. Thompson Center at The Salvation Army Harbor Light, 3737 Humboldt, Detroit, 48208.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/oHo9mwruQH62
Questions: atimetohelp.detroit@gmail.com
