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What is Lasagna Love? How volunteers are helping families facing food insecurity

DETROIT – A new food movement is sweeping the nation to help families affected by the pandemic. The idea, Lasagna Love, is helping ease food insecurity for families. I drive around,” Jolie Abreu with Lasagna Love said. “We went from 16 volunteers ... Goal is feeding families.”The organization was founded to help families facing food insecurity due to the COVID pandemic. AdClick here to learn more about Lasagna Love.

What to do if you are a victim of unemployment fraud

Unemployment fraud in the U.S. has reached dramatic levels during the pandemic: more than $63 billion has been paid out improperly through fraud or errors since March 2020. Here's what you should know about how to spot unemployment fraud, protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim. TAKE ACTIONIf you are a victim, reach out to your state unemployment office to report the fraud. Those steps will not prevent unemployment fraud from being committed, but could deter further crime. The IRS has tips for victims of unemployment fraud and filing taxes online.

How Ele’s Place is helping grieving children in Michigan

Seeing and hearing children and teens talk about death and their emotions grieving can be emotional. She sees it daily as the director of Ele’s Place. Now, three decades later, Ele’s place has four locations across Michigan including right here in Ann Arbor, helping families cope. “They would call Ele’s Place and speak to one of our bereavement coordinators,” said Arvai. “One would not want to think that Ele’s Place is a place of sadness and grief,” she said.

Donated heart for 8-year-old boy is ‘Christmas Miracle’ for Michigan family

Mott Children’s Hospital, but he’s happy to be there after receiving the Christmas gift of a lifetime. You can die suddenly from it.”Kaiden needed a heart transplant, which could take months. Kaiden wasn’t the only lucky patient at Mott Children’s Hospital this year. That’s music to my ears.”Barron said she will forever be grateful to the person who selflessly signed up to be an organ donor and saver her son’s life. Click here to learn more about organ donation and join the Michigan Organ Donor Registry.

‘It’s a blessing’ -- Detroit businesses team up to help families for the holidays

DETROIT – Mario Kelly, a native of Detroit, linked up with two local companies to see if they were interested in his mission to give gifts to families in his old neighborhood who may not get much of a Christmas. Kelly’s old stomping grounds is an apartment complex off Canfield Street, near I-75. He owns Believe 313, a company that provides cleaning services for Shinola and Pak-Rite Industries. “Shinola has been doing this Secret Santa for years, and I suggested to them about coming to the neighborhood that I grew up at,” Kelly said. “And they delivered.”Kelly found three families who didn’t have much of a Christmas planned who received toys, clothing and more.

Detroit Rescue Mission surprised with donations of toys for children, upgraded WiFi for remote learning

DETROIT – The Detroit Rescue Mission’s Genesis House II is doing amazing things for women and children in Detroit without a place to call home. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the shelter could have easily closed, but instead they stayed open and found new ways to help by offering job training, virtual education for children and more. The computer lab upgrade is a part of a Comcast program called Lift Zones, which aims to help bridge the digital divide in Michigan. Since 2018, more than $5 million has been put into the program, creating hundreds of Wifi-connected zones nationwide. For more information on the Detroit Rescue Mission, or to donate, click here.

Watch: Interview with CEO of The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Saunteel Jenkins

DETROIT – Saunteel Jenkins spoke with Rhonda Walker on Tuesday morning about what The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) does to help people across Michigan. Jenkins, the CEO of THAW, said the organization is helping frontline workers make ends meet. She said anyone having trouble paying bills should contact THAW for help. Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in needAll day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Anyone in an energy crisis can apply for help from the Heat and Warmth fund.

Gift of Warmth telethon: You can donate to help families in need

The Heat and Warmth Fund, or THAW, continues to provide assistance with utility bills and to help these people during a very difficult time in their lives. “Any season is bad when you can’t afford utilities,” said Brandi Turner THAW Utility Assistance Center Manager. Tuesday THAW Telethon -- 800-866-8429As of 6 p.m. Tuesday a total of $68,350 was raised with the goal of reaching $100,000 by the evening. To donate to the Gift of Warmth telethon, click here: https://thawfund.org/donate/online/All day Tuesday, Local 4 viewers can help THAW keep the lights and heat on for these families by donating to the Gift of Warmth telethon. Every dollar donated will be used to help pay utility bills.

How non profit National Faith Homebuyers helps families purchase home

I wanted to own something," Dina HarrisThat’s the reason Harris started National Faith Homebuyers, a faith based non profit in Detroit. Now, 24 years later, national faith homebuyers places anywhere form two to three hundred families in a home to call their own every year. National Faith Homebuyers can help you overcome any obstacle to homeownership. With offices in Downtown Detroit, Westland and Atlanta, National Faith Homebuyers has helped people all across Metro Detroit and beyond get into a home. We don’t care!”For more information on National Faith Homebuyers, go here.