Macomb Charitable Foundation Wraps Up Christmas for 450 Kids

Pay the heating bill or buy a Christmas gift?

Every year, hundreds of families in Macomb County find Christmas a luxury they cannot afford, which is why for the past 33 years the has rallied community support to ensure this is not always the case.

“There are 800 plus homeless children in Macomb County, so the need is very great,” said Julie Standlick, MCF volunteer. “It’s not just about giving gifts and toys, it’s about giving hope to children who have lost hope. (With Christmas for Kids) we can give them just one more good day.”

The Christmas for Kids program, which was created 33 years ago, relies on individuals, schools, churches and businesses in the community to sponsor local children who are homeless or living below the poverty level.

A wish list from the child is provided and the Macomb Township-based MCF sees that each child is assigned a sponsor, who is then free to purchase what they can from the list.

This year, MCF has matched more than 450 children with local sponsors. Of this number, MCF President Shelly Penzien estimates 92 percent are homeless.

“It’s sad, but there are still children here in this community who spend their nights in cars because the shelters are full and mom and dad can’t afford a motel,” she said. “We’ve had calls as recently as last week to help a family sleeping in their vehicle.”

Just as it has done in years past, has once again enlisted 17 of its classrooms to serve as sponsors for children in the program.

“It is a way for us to help others who are less fortunate than we are,” said St. Peter Principal Kyle Chuhran. “God has richly blessed us with our needs and far beyond, and he has called us to love our neighbors. We also hope that this opportunity will have an impact on our students, motivating them to consider the needs of others and to find ways to serve throughout their lives.”

Sponsors remain anonymous to the children and their families, but do receive a receipt for a tax deduction.

Through Dec. 20, the , all four and , the headquarters of MCF, will also be collecting toys and gift cards for the Christmas for Kids program.

Hessell's Greenhouse will also donate 10 percent of all sales (with the attached flyer) to MCF through Dec. 18.

As MCF is run completely by volunteers, Penzien said any help, be it monetary or in the form of gift cards and toys, is much appreciated both during the Christmas season and throughout the year.

“I realize everybody has their favorite charity they are looking to support, but if they don’t, we are certainly appreciative because it helps us to operate,” Penzien said. “We don’t get grants from the government, so any support helps.”

MCF is always in need of gift cards for food and gas, as well as Smart bus passes and gift cards for special needs such as haircuts and shoes. Donated toys should be new and unwrapped.

“We’re very grateful that those of who can do here in Macomb,” Penzien said. “Most people inherently are good at heart if they just know what we need.”

For additional information, contact MCF at 586-232-3473.