There were shouts of delight and tears of joy as four local families in need with young children opened mountains of gifts from the Amazon 4-star store during a special day of giving at Lighthouse. The families were randomly selected from Lighthouse’s PATH transitional housing program for women and children and SOS Emergency Shelter program. Each family received up to $2,000 in holiday wish list items.
“Mi-ma, mi-ma,” shouted an adorable 2-year-old girl with a huge, bright smile. [That was her way of saying Minnie Mouse.]
The Amazon 4-star store also presented Lighthouse with a $15,000 check to support our food, shelter and affordable housing programs. Every product in the store, located at Somerset mall in Troy, is rated 4-stars and above by customers, or is a top-selling or new-trending item on Amazon.com.
“On behalf of the Amazon 4-star store, we’re just so happy to be here,” said spokesperson Jessica Pawl. “We’re so excited to help deliver the holiday season to each of you and we are so thankful and grateful to fulfill those wish lists that you have.”
Tatisha Robinson, a mother of 4, opened an air fryer, plates and cups, and boots and toys for her children among other gifts. She and her family moved to metro Detroit just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We lost our home,” she said. “We had nowhere to go so we were sleeping in the car for a while. I finally got into Lighthouse and everything has been wonderful.”
She and her family moved into a home of their own the same day with their new items in tow.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to impact the local community and this was just a great opportunity to partner with Lighthouse,” Pawl said. “I think the work being done by Lighthouse for the community is absolutely amazing.”
Lighthouse serves thousands of local children, families, seniors and individuals in need and is still seeking donations to continue our emergency food, shelter and affordable housing programs, and provide follow-up care and supportive services through the holidays and into the new year. To learn more or donate, visit lighthousemi.org.
“Lighthouse’s mission is building equitable communities that alleviate poverty,” said Fund Development Manager Emily Wood. “Events like this bring light to a few families at a time and with the help of partners like Amazon, we’re able to become a beacon of hope for those in need.”
