CHARITY

During the holidays many of us are inspired to give. And many in our area struggle to put food on the table.

Focus: Hope has been in Detroit for more than half a century helping people and bringing together the community.

Are you ready to be a bell ringer?

To date, Beans to Bags has raised over $85,000, which has all been given away to families in the Avondale School District.

During the holidays many of us are inspired to give. And many in our area struggle to put food on the table.

“The Ele’s Place mission speaks to me personally, as I experienced the death of my father when I was a teenager. Like so many adults, I truly wish there had been a place like Ele’s Place when I was young and my family was grieving,” said new Ele’s Place, Inc. CEO Jennifer Wolfe Howard in a release.

Fowling teams can battle it out while helping Washtenaw County homeless youth during the Breweries vs. Frostbite tournament.

Pediatric patients at Mott Children's Hospital took part in the annual Spook-a-Thon hosted by Dance Marathon at the University of Michigan.

Are you looking to support a local charity over a fun meal? The Ronald McDonald House Charities Detroit is hosting its 4th annual house chef challenge on October 20 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sheri Mark, Chris Gadulka, and Brandon Wright joined Tati Amare on “Live In The D” to discuss the event.

Sip fine wine, and try local restaurants... all while helping to make kids’ dreams come true, at Detroit Uncorked.

You can enjoy some delicious cuisine from local signature chefs and sip on wine while supporting a great cause. It’s all part of March of Dimes’ Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood event on Tuesday, Sep. 20th.

Runners will dash through the University of Michigan central campus, in Nichol’s Arboretum, along parts of the Huron River, and all the way to (and from) Washtenaw Community College.

There’s a reality docuseries of a unique kind on YouTube and social media that’s inviting you to be part of the action. It’s called the “Call Sam Chopper Shop,” and you can follow along with former Detroit Red Wing Darren McCarty as a one-of-a-kind motorcycle is brought to life for a very special cause.

Award-winning journalist, New York Times best-selling author, and philanthropist Mitch Albom is back in action with EAT Detroit.

Rick Harrison from "Pawn Stars" will be on EMU's campus in early July.

Ann Arbor-based balloon artist Carolynn Hayman left her mark during the country's first-ever "Big Balloon Build."

Toyota and Subaru of Ann Arbor hold grand opening event.

Be aware of multiple road closures during this year's Big House 5K.

Give back this Earth Day at Briarwood Mall.

A massive celebration dedicated to community, unity, charity, and eating before the next day’s fast is returning to Dearborn. It is referred to as the Ramadan Suhoor Festival.

For years, the students at Troy Athens High School have spent “charity week” doing something amazing.

A Grosse Pointe Park man has been sentenced for stealing money from a charity that benefits disadvantaged Detroit children and using it for his own personal expenses, federal officials said.

Zingerman’s Community of Businesses is hosting its 7th annual fundraiser benefitting SafeHouse Center.

On December 1, a special shop opened on Broadway in Downtown Detroit. It has one goal: to raise money to help fund music education for Detroit’s youth.

The Catholic community is at the forefront of the giving season with the fourth annual Granting Celebration.

The difficulties of both 2020 and 2021 showed just how much the Ann Arbor area relies on nonprofit organizations and charities to take care of our most vulnerable populations. Here are four nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday.

In anticipation to celebrate this Thanksgiving, shoppers are experiencing skyrocket prices for their long awaited holiday feasts. Views Bar and Grill’s giveback program, “Operation Holiday Hope” is geared up and prepared to tackle this snafu by providing free groceries to over 500 families in metro Detroit.

The Salvation Army event kicks off on Nov. 17.

The 10th Ann Arbor Marathon is back this weekend.

From dishing up meals for the hungry to helping people with addiction, the Capuchins have been serving our community for more than 125 years.

A Grosse Pointe Park man has pleaded guilty to stealing money from a charity that benefits disadvantaged Detroit children and using it for his own personal expenses, federal officials said.

If you love hockey, dogs and supporting a great cause, we have just the event for you: Support the Paws that Enforce the Laws.

While the stigma around mental health is starting to subside, there’s still a desperate need for more resources.

Suicide prevention nonprofit Garrett’s Space is holding its second annual 24-hour livestream fundraiser to support young adults with mental health challenges.

Beautiful blooms full of color and fragrance, are what you will find at Flowers for Dreams in Eastern Market; but this is so much more than just a flower shop. Every bouquet helps a local charity.

The Ann Arbor Marathon has received city approval to take place in October.

Every day for Tiffany Draper began with a touch from her son, Preston.

A Metro Detroit charity works to provide cleaning supplies to people who have been impacted by flooding.

Celebrate National Detroit Style Pizza Day and Buddy’s 75th Anniversary

The Salvation Army has a new e-commerce warehouse where they store boxes of donated items that will be sold online.

Enter the Awesome Apple Bundle Giveaway starting at just $10

Compete in 3-Point contest and help raise money for Detroit Public Schools

Fundraiser will take place at Nightcap in downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday.

A new organization is making it easier than ever to discover the many nonprofits serving the Greater Detroit community

Garrett’s Space is dedicated to reducing suicides and filling critical gaps in supportive care options for young adults facing significant mental health challenges.

A competition across Metro Detroit looks to find who can raise the most money for a cancer charity.

A Metro Detroit charity CEO is facing federal charges for allegedly fleecing his employer and using the money for a wide variety of personal expenses.

A Grosse Pointe Park man is accused of stealing money from a charity that benefits disadvantaged Detroit children and using it for his own personal expenses, federal officials said.

A partnership between the Detroit Free Press and Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers is aiming to make the best of a difficult time. It’s called Top 10 Cares, and it’s all about connecting struggling restaurants with funds to help them feed local communities. The Top 10 Cares initiative sends donations directly to local restaurants, who then deliver healthy, locally sourced meals to community members in need. Now, the goal is shifting to feed Detroit-area community members who have been hard hit by the pandemic. Anani said the money he’s gotten to feed the community has helped him keep his doors open.

The Ronald McDonald House Of Southeastern Michigan serves as a support system for families with children in local hospitals. Host Tati Amare spoke with Jennifer Litomisky, Executive Director of Ronald Mcdonald House Of Southeastern Michigan about an upcoming cooking fundraiser that will support families in need. Litomisky explained that the Ronald McDonald House is a “home away from home”. Their upcoming fundraiser puts two chefs head-to-head with some mystery ingredients to create a tasty masterpiece. The cook-off for kids in need will support families who rely on the local Ronald McDonald House.

DETROIT – You may know the name Mother Waddles because you’ve heard of the charitable car donation program. But, Mother Waddles is not just a name. The Reverend Charleszetta Waddles devoted her life to providing food, hope and dignity to thousands of the city’s poorest citizens. Now her grandson is on a mission to have the city of Detroit bestow long overdue honor for her years of work. Click here to visit the Mother Waddles website.

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. – A local family is used to volunteering and giving back, but had to find a new way to help others during the coronavirus pandemic. If you can’t drop them off in the box, there’s an Amazon wishlist on the charity’s website. “At first it was just close friends and family, once it gained traction, more distant friends friends and family,” Tengler said. “Now it’s people I don’t even know.”So far, the 17-year-old has collected about 2,000 pairs of socks and underwear. “We’re so fortunate and there are so many people who have been super affected by the pandemic,” Tengler said.

This pandemic has been a hardship for many, including local charities that have a mission to help those in need and provide hope. There’s one charity that’s picking up “Truckloads of Hope,” and helping those in the community. All 38 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers are collecting donations of toiletries, socks, underwear, sheets, blankets, and hand sanitizer for their “Truckloads of Hope” event. Capuchin Soup Kitchen collects these types of donations for their Shower Programs, which assist those who have inadequate shelter. The Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers’ “Truckloads of Hope” will be collecting donations until March 31.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Zingerman’s Community of Businesses is hosting a virtual dinner Tuesday night to wrap up a month-long fundraiser benefiting SafeHouse Center. The sixth annual Jelly Bean Jump Up will feature a three course meal from Zingerman’s Roadhouse, which participants can order online and pick up before the event. The Jelly Bean Jump Up will take place 7 p.m. Tuesday. Funds raised from Jelly Bean Jump Up will benefit Ann Arbor’s SafeHouse Center, who serves domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Washtenaw County. Click here to reserve your spot at the sixth annual Jelly Bean Jump Up dinner.

DETROIT – A local radio DJ is spending several nights outside in a tent, braving the freezing temperatures for a good cause. Steve Grunwald from WYCD’s morning show has been sleeping outside the Ronald McDonald House since Tuesday night. He’s doing it to raise $50,000 for the Ronald McDonald House, which offers families a place to stay while their children are undergoing treatment at Children’s hospital. Grunwald has promised to stay put, living in that tent, until every dime of the $50,000 is raised. But here’s the kicker: You can donate to help Grunwald reach his goal, or you can donate to keep him there longer.

This year, the Clawson Police and Fire Department raised a total of $2702 for the Special Olympics Charity. Clawson Police and Fire Department members embraced the cold of Michigan winter for a good cause. Police officers Ryan Tracy and Scott Vierk joined firefighters Connor Winther and David O’Connell for a polar plunge to help raise money for the Special Olympics. Check out the video below -- and donate to the cause here.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Stella and Maybree are two Ann Arbor girls who have been best friends since kindergarten. The two sixth graders have grown up figuring out ways to help others and when they saw the news reports of health care workers in need, they wanted to help. They saw news stories about health care workers who were struggling to get the personal protection equipment they needed. Stella and Maybree took it all in, not as 11-year-olds, but as humans who simply care about other humans. They decided to raise money to help Henry Ford Health System’s COVID emergency relief efforts.

READ: Former homeless woman hands out phone charger kits to those in need in Ann ArborAside from not having a safe place to stay, another problem was created. Many homeless people do keep a cell phone, that is how they can stay connected to services offering help. A formerly homeless woman in Ann Arbor found a solution but is asking for help. Ariah Schgat, 28, said when she was homeless her phone was her lifeline to doctors, shelter services and more. READ: Michigan nonprofit aims to help homeless, dismiss stereotypes“It’s very nerve-wracking because every percent going down is another chance you could miss the call that could get you off the streets,” she said.

DETROIT – Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $10 million to the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. “I was stunned, and tell you the truth -- I was at a loss for words,” President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Helene Weir said. The YMCA in Detroit plans to use the donation for health and wellness programs. Because of COVID-19, the YMCA had to furlough most of its staff and saw a significant drop in donations. The YMCA is now looking for feedback and suggestions and how to best utilize the donation.

The Brugnone family all contracted coronavirus while the father was hospitalized for a brain tumor, but when a popular Instagram influencer heard about it and got involved, people across the country pitched in. “I contracted COVID late March,” Rebecca Brugnone said. That was only the beginning of the problems for Brugnone and her entire family. It was one that the entire family -- including two children -- would have to face. “We were kind of preparing for his his surgery and we all contracted COVID again,” Brugnone said.

DETROIT – With so many people out of work, the need is great this holiday season. Local organizations -- like Focus: HOPE -- are trying to ease the burden one meal at a time. Loretta Brown is one of hundreds -- yes, hundreds -- of volunteers working with Focus: HOPE to bring food to low income seniors across Metro Detroit. “So we’ll have the turkey, produce, stuffing -- all things for a holiday meal -- and not just for Christmas, but hopefully a few more days before and after that,” said Focus: HOPE Food Program Director Frank Kubik,Saturday, Focus: Hope delivered 1,400 special holiday boxes. “They said, ‘No problem!’ They stepped up and said they’ll do what needs to be done.”You can donate to Focus: HOPE on its official website here.

Published: December 11, 2020, 7:54 am Updated: December 11, 2020, 9:10 amGRiZ’s 7th Annual ’12 Days of GRiZMAS’ Event Series is slated for Dec. 12-23, 2020. GRiZMAS will treat fans around the world to all the performances, activities, and community service initiatives. Watch an interview about the event with GRiZ above. RSVP and Donate Here: www.12daysofgrizmas.com

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – It happens every year, at the same time, same location. A Secret Santa for the Salvation Army didn’t let the pandemic get in its way. READ: Mystery person drops coin worth $1,300 into Metro Detroit Salvation Army kettleFor the eighth year in a row, someone dropped off a South African Gold Krugerrand into a Red Kettle at the Kroger store near 9 Mile Road and Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores. It’s worth more than $2,000. The fundraiser gathers money for charities across Metro Detroit, and is more important than ever during the uncertainty of the pandemic.

DETROIT – It’s time to tune in or click-on for one of Detroit’s biggest fundraising events of the year when SAY Detroit hosts its ninth annual radiothon on Thursday. “Due to Covid-19 and the recession, non-profits in Metro Detroit are really struggling” said SAY Detroit founder Mitch Albom. The annual Mitch Albom Radiothon has raised more than $5.7 million dollars since 2012. All of the proceeds raised goes to one of SAY Detroit’s nine programs or affiliated charities in Detroit that it supports. SAY Detroit was founded in 2006 by Albom and is committed to working in Detroit’s neediest neighborhoods with health care, housing and education including the SAY Detroit Family Health clinic, Working Homes/Working Families and Detroit SAY Play Center at Lipke Park.

This Thursday December 10, Mitch Albom is encouraging you to give a gift back to the Detroit community by donating to the SAY Detroit Radiothon. The fundraiser gathers money for charities across Metro Detroit, and is more important than ever during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Usually, Albom and co-host Ken Brown would host the event out of Somerset Mall, inviting guests onstage with them and drawing large crowds. This year though, Albom and Brown will be the only ones onstage and guests will be tuning in over video chat. Albom said they’re hoping that even now when times are tough, there will still be those who decide to donate.

DETROIT – It’s time to tune in or click-on for one of Detroit’s biggest fundraising events of the year when SAY Detroit hosts its ninth annual radiothon on Thursday. “Due to Covid-19 and the recession, non-profits in Metro Detroit are really struggling” said SAY Detroit founder Mitch Albom. The annual Mitch Albom Radiothon has raised more than $5.7 million dollars since 2012. All of the proceeds raised goes to one of SAY Detroit’s nine programs or affiliated charities in Detroit that it supports. SAY Detroit was founded in 2006 by Albom and is committed to working in Detroit’s neediest neighborhoods with health care, housing and education including the SAY Detroit Family Health clinic, Working Homes/Working Families and Detroit SAY Play Center at Lipke Park.

Beth and Fred Pellerito first met Mitch Albom on The Heart of Detroit in 2018, when they took over running O.A.T.S., a equine therapy organization for children and adults with special needs. Now Albom has checked back in with them to see how things are going since the pandemic began. They said that it has been a challenge just trying to start things up since they were initially able to reopen in June. The Pelleritos shared some of the inspirational stories of students who have seen drastic improvements from meeting with the horses every week. They said that even with the pandemic, its important that they are able to keep helping people as safely as they can.

Daytime TV stars, musical artists, Broadway actors and celebrity chefs will be working together for a Daytime Cares event to benefit the Restaurant Strong fund. The Restaurant Strong Fund supports restaurant industry employees who have been impacted by COVID-19 closures. “This year, obviously because of COVID, we wanted to start an organization called Daytime Cares. Zucker is a Days of Our Lives star and the founder of Daytime Cares. You can visit the Daytime Cares website by clicking here, or the Restaurant Strong website here.

Rod Meloni is turning in his reporter notepad for a Rod the Builder apron and challenging our own Steve Garagiola to an Italian cook-off! ½ cup Parmesan cheeseCroutonsDirections :In a mixing bowl, dice anchovy fillets into nearly a paste. Toasted ravioli :Toasted ravioli (WDIV)If you ever visit St. Louis, go The Hill for Italian food. Mickey said, “Hey, with a little parmesan cheese and sauce, these would be great!”A tradition was born. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

DETROIT – We hope you’re craving Italian food this Friday -- and you likely will be with this year’s Rod the Builder challenge. It’s a tradition everyone in the Local 4 newsroom looks forward to on the day after Thanksgiving, as business editor Rod Meloni turns in his reporter notepad for his Rod the Builder apron. This year, Rod the Builder has his work cut out for him as he heads into the kitchen to compete against Steve Garagiola. I don’t know how much Rod cooks but he is Italian. You can watch the Rod the Builder challenge Friday on Local 4 News at Noon, 4, 5 and 6, and on ClickOnDetroit.com.

RIVER ROUGE, Mich. – The All-Star Giveback event took place Thursday at River Rouge High School. To practice safe social distancing, the event was done in a drive-thru style in the school parking lot. They need care. They need help. Whitmer is asking Michiganders to wear masks, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and avoid large gatherings over the holiday.

Toys for Tots tells Local 4 their donations are drastically down this year.

The holidays usually fill people with cheer and a giving heart. One local teen is showing his gift of giving by establishing his own charity and it’s warming people’s hearts right down to their toes, literally. Joey’s Detroit Socks was started by Joey Dattilllo at 15-years-old. Now, 2 years later, he has been able to pass out nearly 800 pairs of socks in the Detroit area. You can give to Joey’s Detroit Socks with a monetary donation or socks for the homeless.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A family in Macomb County with a boy with special needs received a big surprise Friday. The bike was custom made for Leland Kraft -- a 12-year-old boy who was born with cerebral palsy -- so he could ride with his sisters. ORIGINAL STORY: Bike built for boy with cerebral palsy stolen from Shelby Township homePolice helped the Shelby Township family, but the bike was unable to be found. Leland was left without a bike until Variety Children’s Charity of Detroit heard his story and decided to get involved. More information on Variety Children’s Charity of Detroit can be found on its official website here.

ANN ARBOR – Destiny and Purpose Community Outreach will be hosting its 12th annual community baby shower this month in both Washtenaw and Wayne counties. Each year, DAPCO hands out free essential baby items for first-time, teen, low-income and homeless mothers. "Because of caring and supportive corporate sponsors, we are also able to provide essential baby items through our baby pantries and because of COVID-19, we are able to make emergency deliveries. We are grateful for support from our partners and sponsors to make it happen.”✉ Like what you’re reading? The distribution events will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates:Wayne County: Oct. 24Washtenaw County: Oct. 31Advanced registration is required to participate.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ann Arbor is the fifth most charitable city in the United States. “We are thrilled to have given over $215 million on behalf of customers to the causes they care about most.”✉ Like what you’re reading? Through the program, the AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to a charity of their choosing. In Ann Arbor, there over 400 charities linked to the AmazonSmile program and more than 10,000 in Michigan. More than $215 million globally has been donated by the program since its launch in 2013.

One local woman is creating a home for children and families in need. A home on a block in Detroit where inside you can find the help you need for your family. Eggleton founded the non-profit organization about four years ago with a goal to help children succeed from birth to eight years old. They make sure that families and children have everything they need in education, health and family support. Brilliant is both and that’s why it’s working.”If you’d like more information on Brilliant Detroit, please visit: https://brilliantdetroit.org/More: Your Neighborhood

DETROIT – A group of musicians, including Detroit-based band Sponge, are coming together to help raise money for the Pope Francis Shelter in Detroit. Sponge, which has been performing since the 1990s, usually plays for a benefit concert at St. Andrews Hall every year. In lieu of the usual performance, the band is working with other local musicians to develop a fundraiser record album -- a vinyl record. Sponge lead singer Vin Dombroski, said six Detroit bands and artists are contributing to the album. “We know that the pandemic has affected the music community more than any other industry, so the fact these musicians were committed to coming together and helping the Pope Francis center means the world to us,” said Chris Harthen with Pope Francis Shelter.

DETROIT – For years Zaman International founder and CEO, Najah Bazzy, has dedicated herself to helping women, children and refugees. The non-governmental organization has helped more than 250,000 women and children by providing basic necessities, education and job training, according to CNN. Zaman International operates out of the Hope For Humanity Center, a 40,500-square-foot facility in Inkster. Needy mothers and their children can shop at the Inkster based facility, which has become a one stop shop for basic essentials, for free. She was selected as one of 30 smiles initiative to be placed on Lay’s potato chip bags.

A boy in Lapeer came up with a fun idea to help raise money for the local animal shelter. See his amazing story above. Here are ways you can help:

Once the home team scores its first goal of the game, fans unleash the teddy bears by throwing them over the glass and onto the ice. If it's a packed game and fans know about the toss, teddy bears will fly onto the ice for several minutes. The teddy bear toss has become so popular in some areas, that world records have been broken. The previous record for the Teddy Bear Toss was set in 2015 by fans of the Calgary Hitmen with 28,815 stuffed animals. The Hershey Bears collected 25,017 stuffed animals at their 2017 Teddy Bear Toss, but absolutely crushed their record with 34,798 stuffed animals in 2018.

DETROIT A woman who lost her father during the height of the coronavirus pandemic is raising money to help other struggling families. Aug. 15, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 92,155; Death toll now at 6,318Wilson Shopoff, 92, died of coronavirus-related health issue in April. His daughter, Donna Law, said she got the idea to raise money for others after struggling to pay her fathers hospital bills. The fundraiser is sponsored by Mutts & Mutts Animal Rescue League. Its happening every weekend at Booth 70 at the Tireman Flea Market, located on Tireman Avenue, just east of Hubbell Avenue.

Danielle Miller, WaterfordA volunteer hands a box of food and supplies to a family in need. (WDIV)OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. Lighthouse of Oakland County has been servicing community members in the area for 48 years now. A legacy of do-goodersJames McQueen is the community outreach and pantry manager for Lighthouse. Those boxes filled with food and everyday household supplies ready to be deployed to families in need. James McQueen, community outreach director and pantry manager for Lighthouse talks about their volunteers.

The NBA Board of Governors announced today that it will contribute $300 million in initial funding to establish the first-ever NBA Foundation dedicated to creating greater economic empowerment in the Black community. Over the next 10 years, the 30 NBA team owners will collectively contribute $30 million annually to establish a new, leaguewide charitable foundation. On behalf of the NBA Board of Governors, I am thrilled to announce the creation of the NBA Foundation, said NBA Board of Governors Chairman and Toronto Raptors Governor Larry Tanenbaum. The Foundation will work directly with all 30 teams, their affiliated charitable organizations and the NBPA to support national organizations. The 30 NBA teams will be members of the NBA Foundation with its eight Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the NBA Board of Governors, players and executives from the NBPA and the league office.

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. When you hear X marks the spot, what comes to mind? I thought it would be a fun thing to do, John Coleman, president of Silver and Gold jewelry, said. People arent buying jewelry right now.So this idea was part boredom, part adventure. Its a treasure hunt in Wayne County to get people outside, searching for real-life treasure. One question might be, who was the road commissioner of Wayne County way back when, Coleman sad.

DETROIT – A local mentorship program for girls has come up with a pretty unique way to hold a socially distant fundraiser. In September, a room at the M-1 concourse was supposed to be filled with tables, a band and people all to raise money for Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program. “Help them just get through life.”She and many other car lovers haven’t had much opportunity to drive their cars this summer. The hope is this parade will give more recognition to an organization that’s been making a difference in our community for over a decade. It’s already raised more than $200,000 for Women of Tomorrow.

That includes a local roofing company and a supplier who reached out to a Waterford veteran in a special way. It happened here and the worries started -- and you are looking at worries being swept away in a most charitable fashion. A crew of workers from Roof One descended on Mercures house bright and early Thursday in the hot July sun. It all started a few months ago, when Mercures saw Roof Ones owner, Steve McCusker, working in the neighborhood and asked him for an estimate. McCusker knew about Owens Cornings Roof Deployment Project -- a national program that aims to put new roofs over military familys heads for free -- and reached out.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. A generous donation from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has made it possible to purchase and distribute food to 215 senior citizen households in the Auburn Hills community. The Auburn Hills Community Foundation, dedicated to supporting the Auburn Hills community, received a donation from FCA and with the assistance of senior center volunteers, put together food boxes filled with non-perishable items such as trail mix, cereal and Ensure, to name just a few, for senior citizens in need of assistance. Many seniors in the Auburn Hills community are facing unprecedented, extraordinary times. The Auburn Hills Community Foundation, with the generous donation from FCA, is proud to be able to take this step to support the seniors of the community, said Kristen Baiardi, Chairperson, Auburn Hills Community Foundation. Members of the community came together at the Auburn Hills Community Center last week to pack over 645 boxes of food.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. The Southfield chapter of My Brothers Keeper (MBK) is going to provide free face coverings and hand sanitizer to youth in the area on Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the circle driveway of the Southfield Parks and Recreation building at 26000 Evergreen Road. The program, Mask with a Message, will provide 5 to 18 year olds free supplies while they last on a first-come-first-serve basis. "We are all adjusting to the new normal brought upon by the novel coronavirus," commented JoAnne Gurley, MBK Program Coordinator. Since it has been mandated that face coverings be worn in public places by the State of Michigan as well as national and local health departments, it is imperative that our youth have the proper protection to stay safe this summer."

OXFORD, Mich. For the first time in months stores are accepting bottle returns. Bottle and can returns were shut down in Michigan due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. READ: Michigan stores can start accepting bottle, can returns immediatelyThats good news for the Oxford Police Department, which has been storing hundreds of thousands of cans and bottles to help a good cause. Watch the full story above

MILFORD, Mich. Students at Michigan Rock School learn music, community friendship and self-confidence. When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit and students couldnt be in class together their teachers made sure they didnt feel isolated. During a normal year, the young musicians practice together, play together and perform together every four months. Proceeds from the album support the Center for Disaster Philanthropy COVID-19 Response Fund, and the Milford Skatepark Project. Click here to learn more about Michigan Rock School.

ANN ARBOR Washtenaw County-based nonprofit Friends In Deed has partnered with Over The Edge for a one-of-a-kind fundraising event in downtown Ann Arbor later this season. On Sept. 5, participants who raise enough money for the event will have the chance to rappel down the 14-story Graduate Ann Arbor hotel. Friends In Deed supports families throughout the county who are in crisis and experiencing transportation issues, are in need of utilities assistance and basic furniture. Friends In Deed also offers programs designed to lift families out of poverty. For more information, to nominate a friend or colleague or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit the events website.

LIVONIA, Mich. A teenager from Livonia said she knew she had to do something when she saw the devastation caused by the floods in Midland County. When Caitlin Jodway was a junior in high school, she organized a swimathon for a friend with muscular dystrophy and a hundred swimmers participated. My grandmother lives on Wixom Lake, Jodway said. Just Devastating -- Wixom Lake becomes muddy field after dam failuresThankfully, the home wasnt destroyed but the Livonia family knew they wouldnt be spending the Memorial Day Weekend there. They will be dropped off at an area high school and be distributed by the United Way.

LIVONIA, Mich. On Sunday, May 24 a donation drive will be held in Livonia to help flood victims in Midland. The event is taking place today from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m in the parking lot of Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant at 33308 Plymouth Road in Livonia. On Saturday more than 800 volunteers traveled to Midland to help flood victims despite the threat of coronavirus. Many of the volunteers were from Metro Detroit. More coverage on the Midland flooding crisis:

Those interested can drop off returnable cans and bottles at the police department from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 30. Livingston County Animal ShelterThe Livingston County Animal Shelter is collecting cans and bottles from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 19-21 and May 26-29. Lapeer Paradise Animal RescueParadise Animal Rescue in Lapeer is accepting donations of empty bottles and cans anytime. Garden Citys Sports Venue Bar and GrillThe Sports Venue Bar and Grill in Garden City is collecting bottles and cans to donate proceeds to P.O.E.T Animal Rescue. Wyandotte Boat ClubThe Wyandotte Boat Club is accepting donations of cans and bottles on site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 25.

All rights reserved)Bloomfield Hills-based Carls Golfland announced Sunday a $100,000 donation to TaylorMades Driving Relief charity fundraiser to support response efforts to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. May 17, 2020: Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 51,142; Death toll now at 4,891The fundraiser -- a charity golf match airing Sunday -- is raising money to support the American Nurses Foundation and the CDC Foundations COVID-19 response. Sundays match will be the first live golf event televised since the beginning of the pandemic. TaylorMade ambassadors Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff are headlining the fundraiser match in Florida. Carls Golflands donation is part of their #ShankThisVirus campaign, through which theyve already donated more than $250,000 to local hospitals and charities amid the pandemic.

Mitch Albom is an award-winning journalist, the author of six consecutive No. 1 New York Times Bestsellers including “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Next Person You Meet in Heaven”. Now he has a new inspirational novella that is written one week at a time and available online for free. While the story is free, readers can donate to help people impacted by the COVID-19 crisis on the same website. Watch the video to hear more about how Mitch Albom is helping to support the Detroit community.

DETROIT – Jason Appling is walking the walk, literally. He co-founded the annual event Tux & Chucks, which raises thousands every year for Metro Detroit non profits. We sat down with him -- and his cute son -- to talk about the important work he is doing. Watch the interview above. For more information on Tux & Chucks, and CoolSmart Inc., go here.

UAW holds fifth annual sleeping bag drive with $35,000 goalPublished: December 2, 2019, 7:30 amThis year, the organization is hoping to raise $35,000 and distribute more than one thousand sleeping bags.