Youth in Detroit and Flint Communities Enjoy Unexpected Surprises Thanks to the Gores Family
Charity Partners Include Toys for Tots, Voices for Children and The Salvation Army Downriver Corps
DETROIT (December 15, 2023) — Thanks to a generous contribution from Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, more than 10,000 toys, bicycles, scooters and headphones will be distributed to families in Detroit, Flint and surrounding neighborhoods this holiday season. U.S. Marines and volunteers of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program are hosting a special gift event for families and children in Detroit on today while Voices for Children coordinated a similar event in Flint earlier this week on December 12. Mr. Gores is also supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25,000 donation.
Balance bikes with helmets will be gifted to all children under three. Children ages 4-7 will receive bicycles with training wheels and helmets. Youth ages 8-10 will receive scooters and Lego sets and those ages 11-13 will receive wireless headphones.
“This should be a special time of year for kids and their families, filled with hope and anticipation,” said Gores. “Every child deserves that sense of wonder and excitement that builds during the holidays, and to have the chance to open something that brings a smile to their face. We started this initiative 17 years ago and have been blessed to work with incredible partners who are committed to being impactful in our communities. We are grateful for their support.”
Gores and his wife Holly support a number of Detroit-area causes focused on improving the quality of life for families in need and contributing to the revitalization of the region and the state. They both grew up in the area and have supported holiday toy distributions across Michigan since 2006 and delivered over 155,000 gifts to families, according to a spokesperson for Mr. Gores.
The Gores family’s partnership with Toys for Tots began in 2009 and has delivered over 132,000 toys to more than 65,000 children. (Prior to aligning with Toys for Tots, Mr. Gores supported similar gift-giving programs through other organizations.) After supporting the programs as a “Secret Santa” for seven years, Mr. Gores agreed in 2013 to be identified in order to encourage others to join in with contributions of their own.
“We are very pleased to receive such generous support from Tom & Holly Gores,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 75 years through our Toys for Tots Program. The Gores’ support will enable Toys for Tots to deliver hope and the magic of the holidays to thousands of families in the Detroit area who otherwise would have gone without in this struggling economy.”
Voices for Children CEO Claudnyse Hollman said the donation will brighten the holidays for children who often never feel the joy of the season.
“Voices for Children extends its gratitude to Tom and Holly Gores for their steadfast support as champions for child survivors. The children served by the Voices for Children Advocacy Center often find themselves in the midst of crises,” said Holloman. “Without this center, they would face immense challenges navigating complex systems, especially as the most vulnerable survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and neglect. The Gores family brings forth a touch of magic and hope during this season, rekindling the dreams of childhood and reminding us that this is indeed a season of joy. This marks a pivotal moment in their lives – they may not remember the gifts, but they will forever cherish the moments and the enchanting feeling of Christmas magic provided by the Gores’. This generous gift not only brings Christmas joy to the communities that are most in need, but also celebrates the remarkable resilience of these young superheroes. We extend our sincere thanks for honoring their strength and bravery by bringing them the gift of Christmas joy!”
Shawn Sutter, Sr. – Lieutenant, Pastor, Administrator and Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center – said donations from the Gores family will bolster their current campaign and help reach additional families.
“The Salvation Army Downriver would like to thank Tom and Holly Gores for helping us provide gifts for over 800 Downriver families with children,” said Lt. Shawn. “We thank them for bringing the holiday spirit to the Downriver communities and showing our children the act of giving without expecting anything in return.”
About Tom Gores
Gores, a Flint native, is Owner of the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of global private equity firm Platinum Equity. He and his wife, Holly, a Detroit area native, have for many years supported a broad range of initiatives in Michigan focused on education, mentorship, health care, economic empowerment, public safety and improving the lives of people throughout the state. In 2016, Mr. Gores launched FlintNOW, a $10 million private sector campaign to support short- and long-term relief and revitalization initiatives in response to the Flint water crisis.
About Marine Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a 76-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to less fortunate children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. The impact of these toys and books offers disadvantaged children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 291 million less fortunate children. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of less fortunate children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Voices For Children
Voices for Children Advocacy Center works to intervene the alarming number of children who are victims of abuse by educating, empowering, and enlightening the community, school-aged children, and parents about prevention factors. Voices for Children leads the community in responding to victims of child abuse violence and works to break the cycle of abuse via prevention, and intervention programming, as well as community education. Voices for Children is dedicated to building healthy relationships and provides a continuum of services for persons of all ages who have been, or are at risk of being, victims of child abuse or neglect. Our agency’s model is grounded in a strengths-based, empowerment philosophy and incorporates best practices and evidence-based strategies. Services are completely free to the family. Voices for Children Advocacy Center creates a vital link between community services and victims of child abuse.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army has been serving the Downriver communities for over 125 years. The Downriver Corps has a variety of programs that are aimed to feed the mind, body, and soul. These programs include Archery, Air Rifles, Music, Character Building, Golden Agers Ministry, Worship Services, and more. Feel free to stop by anytime to meet the Corps Officers and staff.
