Volunteers Unite in Detroit to Deliver Christmas Gifts to Families
In Detroit, volunteers from various faiths joined forces to spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts to nearly 400 families this Christmas.
Detroit, Christmas, Volunteers, Jimmy’s Kids, Community
Detroit: On Christmas morning, volunteers from different faiths came together to bring joy to nearly 400 families. They delivered bags filled with gifts right to their doorsteps.
The gifts included food gift cards and toys, all thanks to Jimmy’s Kids, a nonprofit that has been spreading holiday cheer in the city since the 1980s.
One family received a special delivery from David Kurzmann and his kids, Sari and Micah. It was heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces.
Volunteers from Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities all pitched in. It was a beautiful sight to see everyone working together.
For the Jewish community, this was part of their annual Mitzvah Day, which started back in 1996. It’s all about helping charities and nonprofits during Christmas. This year, they had 17 volunteer sites, including Meals on Wheels and shelters.
Mitzvah means good deed in Hebrew, and that’s exactly what they were doing.
Giant bags of gifts were organized and loaded into cars at St. Stephen Lutheran Church. It was a busy scene, but everyone was excited to help.
Nancy Wellber Barr, from the Jewish Federation of Detroit, explained that Mitzvah Day is a chance for those who don’t celebrate Christmas to give back and let others have the day off.
Other volunteers were part of the “Days of Ihsan” campaign, organized by the Michigan Muslim Community Council. They welcomed everyone, regardless of faith.
Muzammil Ahmed, the council’s chair emeritus, said the campaign promotes good actions and helps local families in need during the holidays.
The day kicked off at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, where volunteers loaded their vehicles with unique gifts for each family, tailored to the ages of their kids.
Jim Truman, who started Jimmy’s Kids, shared that the spirit of Christmas is all about giving, not receiving.
David Kurzmann, along with his kids, felt nostalgic as he recalled delivering gifts as a child. He emphasized the importance of passing down these values.
While waiting to load up, Kurzmann spotted friends from the Muslim and Hindu communities. He noted how this event helps break down barriers and brings people together.
It was a day filled with kindness and community spirit, reminding everyone of the true meaning of the season.
Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Volunteers of different faiths come together to deliver gifts