Now through Dec. 16, COTS Detroit is inviting the community to help make the holiday season brighter for families at risk of experiencing homelessness. The organization is seeking generous donations of new, unwrapped toys to support its annual Santa Shop, scheduled for Dec.18–20. This special event gives parents the opportunity to “shop” for gifts for their children, allowing them to share in the joy of wrapping and giving presents on Christmas morning.
“Giving season is a crucial time for our families, so we are looking for local businesses, organizations and individuals to help us make a significant impact this holiday season,” said Rachel Minion, development partner liaison at COTS. “Our Santa Shop is a truly special event, providing families with an empowering experience to create lasting holiday memories. It allows them to participate in the magic of the season in a way that honors their needs and preferences.”
One of those businesses leading the charge is The Elia Group, who has partnered with COTS this holiday season to host a collection drive at all of its properties, including Parc Detroit and Experience Zuzu in Detroit and 220 Merrill in Birmingham.
“The Elia Group is committed to not only making a positive impact but to building a stronger community through meaningful partnerships,” said Zaid Elia, Founder and CEO of Elia Group. “To help spread holiday cheer to local families served by COTS, we’re committed to donating at least $10K worth of toys. We encourage our guests to join us in supporting Detroit families by bringing a toy or two when dining with us. Now through Dec. 17, guests who contribute a toy will receive a complimentary Christmas dessert at our restaurants.”
COTS is seeking items like dolls and action figures for the younger kids, portable speakers and karaoke microphones to delight the older ones, along with remote control cars, coloring books and other fun surprises. To brighten a child’s holiday, each item can be conveniently purchased from COTS’ Amazon Wishlist.
COTS is also currently asking for donations of items on its Greatest Needs list. These essential items are crucial for COTS to continue providing emergency shelter, supportive and affordable housing and comprehensive resources to families in need.
With 450+ families to serve this holiday season, COTS needs the entire community’s help through these donations.
Businesses, organizations and individuals interested in partnering with COTS, by hosting a collection drive this holiday season to help bring joy to families in need, can register their toy drive at https://bit.ly/HostAToyDriveForCOTS. To schedule a toy drop-off, please visit https://bit.ly/ScheduleDeliveryToCOTS. For any questions, contact Rachel Minion at rminion@cotsdetroit.org.
About COTS
Founded in 1982, Detroit-based COTS is a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, supportive and affordable housing and comprehensive support services for families experiencing and at risk of experiencing homelessness. COTS exists to create and facilitate opportunities that empower families in poverty to collaborate, thrive and succeed in building strong and stable households, neighborhoods and communities. Through the Passport to Self-Sufficiency™, and a broad network of partnerships, COTS assists families in reaching their housing, economic, health, education and career goals. COTS also exists to advocate for long-term solutions to the problem of homelessness. The organization manages multiple facilities with a staff of more than 50 people and an annual budget in excess of $8 million. COTS serves approximately 1,200 people annually – 60 percent of whom are children. Learn more at COTSDetroit.org.
