For 10 years, Ron and Kristina Macey have opened their Oxford home and their Christian hearts to Covenant House Michigan by hosting a Christmas party to benefit the charitable organization.
‘We’ve always been blessed,? Kristina said. ‘We’re grateful to be able to give back.?
On Saturday evening, the Maceys? annual party raised approximately $2,500 and counting for Covenant House, a sanctuary for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth ages 13-22 who have been abused, neglected or forgotten and have nowhere else to go.
A faith-based nonprofit, Covenant House Michigan provides shelter, educational and vocational programs as well as other support services to help overcome hurdles such as homelessness, unemployment, inadequate education, violence, drugs and gangs.
‘It’s just phenomenal what they do,? Kristina said. ‘Kids who haven’t finished high school get their GED. They help them get jobs. They give them skills. I was just very impressed by that.?
Well-known by Detroit area youth, Covenant House has served more than 35,069 young people since its inception in 1997.
This year the Maceys did something different and asked their estimated 95 guests to donate $25 per person or $50 per couple to the charity.
In the past, they’ve always had guests bring things like toiletries, coats and other clothing, nonperishable food items, gift cards, even bus passes.
But Kristina said this year they wanted to simplify things for people who wanted to give and ensure Covenant House is able to ‘get what they really need.?
‘We received several checks from people who couldn’t come,? she said.
Besides helping Covenant House, Kristina said the annual Christmas party is a way to give folks an outlet for their charitable impulses during the holiday season.
‘It’s surprising how many people really don’t know how to go about giving,? she said. ‘People are very giving if you give them the opportunity.?
Kristina said there are so many charities out there, many people don’t know which ones to help, which ones are legitimate, which ones are the most effective.
Most people just want to know their money’s truly helping people in need, she explained.
A lot of people also want to help smaller charities that don’t get all the publicity of larger nonprofits.
‘People appreciate having the opportunity to spread (their contributions) around,? Kristina said.
To learn more about Covenant House Michigan or donate visit www.covenanthousemi.org.