Neighbor for Neighbor’s food pantry recipients came, shopped, and took home free gifts on Dec. 17 from ‘The Christmas Shoppe,? a store created in the rental hall adjoining the Neighbor for Neighbor offices in downtown Davisburg. The room was stocked with new clothing, games, toys, bags stuffed with personal care items, books, bikes, household items, and, for those that couldn’t decide, gift cards for gas, groceries, and more.
Neighbor for Neighbor, an all-volunteer non-profit charitable organization that has provided food, clothing and financial assistance to low-income families from Springfield, Holly, Groveland, Brandon, Rose, Independence, and parts of White Lake Townships since 1983, was able to help hundreds of local families have a happier holiday this year.
All of the gifts distributed by Neighbor for Neighbor were donated by area residents, businesses and organizations’some of these brand new items were donated specifically for Christmas, and some came in throughout the year and were reserved for the holidays.
Neighbor for Neighbor’s Christmas Shoppe would not have been possible without the toy drives held by area schools, scout troops, subdivisions and libraries; additional lovely gifts, like warm mittens and personal care items, came from local churches and civic organizations.
The prize for most incredible donation, however, goes to the Clarkston-based Tree of Dreams, an organization that holds a holiday ball each year wherein they require attendees to bring unwrapped toys and gift cards to local stores. They then donate this treasure trove of toys to Neighbor for Neighbor to help spread Christmas joy.
‘It literally requires a truck to deliver all the gifts they collect for Neighbor for Neighbor,? said Carolyn McKenzie, Neighbor for Neighbor executive director and volunteer. ‘For many of our recipient families the toys and gifts they receive from Neighbor for Neighbor are the only holiday gifts their families will have. We are so grateful to all our patrons that make it possible.?
To donate, volunteer, or for assistance with food or clothing, call 248-634-0900.