DETROIT – This Christmas Eve the ACC, or the Arab American Chaldean Council, is giving away food, clothing and toys to Detroit's less fortunate.
For 17-year-old Kyneisha Johnigan and her family, this is very much needed.
"They gave us food an clothes and things we really do need," Kyneisha said. "This is the best Christmas gift I could ask for."
People started lining up outside the ACC building in Detroit at 8 in the morning with carts and bags ready to carry their gifts. This event is just one part of what the ACC does.
"It's our belief that it's not just giving back during the Holidays, this is a special time for us, but we're down here 365 days a year providing services," commented Bob Ghannam, the Director of Special Projects at the ACC.
This year they are hoping to give away 1,400 meals -- a 400-meal boost from last year. About 100 people volunteered their time to help dole out the goodies.
"I love helping people, everybody, and I want to make sure the children have what they need for the holiday season," said Renee Brown, a volunteer.
This giveaway, however, provides more than just a warm meal or a snugly coat, it shows people like Kyneisha and her family that somebody out there cares about them.
"Knowing somebody cares is probably paramount to what life is all about," said Ghannam. "Knowing that somebody cares, that's what keeps us all going I believe."
In conjunction with Forgotten Harvest, the ACC is planning to give away over 5000 meals between Christmas Eve and Christmas; giving lots of people in Detroit something to be thankful for.
"I am very appreciative, very thankful, because you don't see this everyday in our neighborhood and they are reaching out to us and I really appreciate it," expressed Kyneisha.