HAVEN of Oakland County

The Pontiac-based organization, Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programming for around 30,000 people per year. 

The holidays can be a challenging time for survivors of intimate partner violence. To ease some of those difficulties, HAVEN is holding its annual Gift Give-Away, where survivors and their families can shop from hundreds of holiday gifts (at no cost to them) thanks to the generous donations and countless volunteer hours. 

“Gift Give-Away is truly one of the most special events at HAVEN,” said HAVEN CEO Christine Kinal. “Being able to provide this service to our clients annually means so much, and we couldn’t do it without the generous help and support of our volunteers and the community.”

Last year, over 500 survivors and their families were helped through this program.

You can buy your own gifts or shop directly from the organization's Amazon wish list which can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2L3KGKOPNBPCA?ref_=wl_share.

Through Dec. 8, donated gifts can be shipped to or dropped off at HAVEN of Oakland County, 801 Vanguard Drive, Pontiac, MI, 48341, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Top priority items 

• Winter coats (gender neutral, especially in larger sizes up to 3X)
• Gift cards ($20-$50, Meijer or Target)
• Blankets and comforters (full or queen size)
• Teen items, especially for teen boys
• Kitchen appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, slow cookers, etc.)
• Pajamas for all ages and sizes, especially men’s sizes for teenage boys
• Winter gear, especially for teen boys, such as boots, gloves, and hats

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities include gift wrapping, assisting with donations, setting up the shopping experience room, organizing donations, and helping clients shop.

You can sign up by visiting: www.Haven-Oakland.org/gift-giveaway-2024. 

The Rainbow Connection

Michigan's wish-granting organization, founded in 1985 and located in Rochester, is continuing to support children battling life-threatening illnesses by hosting its annual Toy Drive and Adopt-A-Family Program, made possible through the generosity of the local community and donors.

This year, over 200 families are expected to be adopted. Those interested in donating can find The Rainbow Connection's gift guide here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/26ZNXA9Y0WYPA?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_u…. 

After all of the toys are collected, the adopted families will be invited to pick up the gifts from The Rainbow Connection, 621 W. University Drive, Rochester, MI, 48307, December 11-14. 

Toy pick-up schedule:

• Wednesday, Dec. 11 - 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Dec. 12 - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 13 - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 14 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

A wish helps to strengthen and empower children in battling their illness by enriching the human experience with hope, anticipation, and joy. A wish allows a child the ability to look past their condition and gives precious time with family to create memories they can all treasure.

Since 1985, the organization has granted an average of 150 wishes each year and over 4300 wishes since their inception. Over 86% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs and services for children with life-threatening illnesses. In 2023, nearly 160 wishes were granted by The Rainbow Connection.

Gifts for All God's Children

Since 1987, the Christmas Outreach Program of Gifts For All God's Children, a faith-based nonprofit located in Rochester Hills, has been making a significant impact in the lives of underserved children in our community. This year, the organization is excited to continue its mission of spreading hope and joy to children in need, with over 83,000 children blessed by this initiative since its inception.

"By sponsoring a child, you're not just providing material gifts—you're sharing God's love and offering hope to children who need it most,” said Patti Jacques, Executive Director of Gifts For All God’s Children. "We encourage you to involve friends, family, and co-workers to multiply the impact this holiday season."

Last year, over 18,000 gifts, which included brand-new toys, books, and items that meet their critical needs, such as clothing, socks and underwear, warm outerwear, and hygiene kits, were donated to over 3,000 children with each child being connected to one of their 47 partnering churches and organizations. 

Four ways to make a difference:

• Sponsor a Child: Choose a child and do the shopping, ensuring they receive essential clothing, toys, books, and hygiene items.
• Make a Donation: Donate funds, and we will shop for the child(ren) on your behalf.
• Purchase from Our Amazon Wish List: Choose new clothing or toys directly from our curated list.
• Ship Items to Our Workshop: Purchase items and send them to our workshop for packing and distribution.

Suggested Donation Amounts:

• $30: Provides a child with hygiene items, socks, and underwear.
• $100: Provides a child with a toy, books, clothing, and hygiene items.
• $300: Provides two children with all of the above, plus a warm winter coat each.

For more information, to sponsor a child, or to donate, please visit https://giftsforallgodschildren.org/christmas-outreach-program.