Each year the consumer unit at Local 4 holds an action-packed toy test. We invite about two dozen children to put a dozen of the hottest toys of the year to the test. You may wonder what happens to those toys after the test is over. Well, the gently-used toys are cleaned up and donated to children in need.
This year, Help Me Hank is donating the toys, which included a Fisher-Price Imaginext Ultra T-Rex, assorted light sabers, the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Playset, and the Barbie Saddle N Ride Horse, to a group called Mothers of Murdered Children Michigan.
This organization is a mutual self-help group for families touched by the tragic loss that comes when a mother or father is murdered. Beyond the crime statistics and the stories you see on the news, Mothers of Murdered Children aims to provide emotional, psychological, and moral support for its members.
It's mission can be particularly challenging during the holidays. "You don't always have money for a Christmas present after you pay for a funeral," said Brenda Hill, a member of Mothers of Murdered Children.
The group does what it can to make the holidays a little brighter for children who have suffered an enormous loss. Its big even is a holiday party for the children, a time to have fun, but also a time to heal.
"They get to be around other children where they don't have to explain their emotions and feelings," said Hill.
This year's party is taking place on Saturday, December 19th, starting at 4 p.m. at the Westminster Church of Detroit. While the donations from Help Me Hank will help some children, there is still a need for more toys.
"We're fully funded by the grace of the public. We don't make any money. Everything goes to this event," Hill told Help Me Hank during her visit to the Local 4 Studios.
If you can help, call 313-473-9666 for more information.
Or, check out the Mothers of Murdered Children on Facebook.
You could make a big difference in the life of a child going through a very tough time!