DETROIT – Tough times at home can make holiday cheer a challenge. For almost 20 years, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has taken on the challenge to brighten the lives of local kids.
With a donation from the Gores family and an assist from Toys for Tots, Eastern Market Shed 5 looked like Santa’s workshop on Wednesday (Dec. 3), housing nearly 10,000 toys for distribution to Detroit families in need.
“It means a lot. I didn’t have it this year,” giveaway guest Leessence Edwards said while walking her 3-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, through aisles of toys. “It’s actually spectacular, they have so many gifts for everybody.”
Gifts stacked higher than the adult shoppers. Kids 13 and under had their pick of the year’s most in-demand toys, from Elmo to Rainbocorns, Legos to JBL Clip Speakers, bikes, and more.
It takes a lot of effort to ensure a happy holiday, no matter the circumstances.
“I lost my sister last year,” Tracy Edwards said. “It’s something my sister would love as a family. I know she’s looking down at us as a family and smiling.”
Stockings are stuffed by Meijer, the makeshift shop decorated by the Pistons organization, all prepped by volunteers from the United States Marines Corps.
Toys for Tots reached its limit for family applications in less than two hours in October.
“I get emails saying ‘thank you so much,’” Staff Sergeant Larry Bogus, the Toys for Tots Detroit campaign coordinator, said. “They ensure your work is not going unnoticed.”
More than 175,000 toys have been donated since the first Gores Family giveaway in 2006.
“All [these families] need is a little boost to get over the hump,” Gores’ brother-in-law Duncan Murdock said. “That’s what this is here for because Tom and Holly want to see smiles on these children’s faces.”
Don’t forget the smiles on parents’ faces, too.
“Kids weren’t really expecting a Christmas, so now when they see presents under the tree, it’s like, ‘what?’” Leessence added with a smile. “They’ll know that mom pulled through, and they aren’t feeling left out.”
The Gores’ family and Toys for Tots are hosting a similar event in Flint later this month.
Gores is also supporting the Salvation Army Downriver Corps with a $25,000 donation.
Santa isn’t just delivering toys—he’s giving peace of mind to those who need it most.
“I’m glad someone is looking out for us,” Tracy said with a smile.
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