DETROIT – Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries was filled with gifts and the spirit of gratitude on Saturday as the organization distributed gifts to more than 2,000 families in need across the Metro Detroit area.
“This year is almost triple than last year,” said DRMM CEO and president Chad Audi. “It is a bittersweet situation. It is bitter because there is a greater need but it’s very happy because there are a lot of good people, and we are able to accommodate the needs and let people celebrate a beautiful Christmas.”
He said they verify whether a family is in need, then have them create a wish and need list, then the community adopts the family and shops for gifts.
“The kids did not do anything wrong; they did not commit anything to be in the situation that they’re in so we want to make sure that people are happy and the kids do not feel less than other children,” Audi said.
Latoria Horton held back tears as her children saw the gifts strangers purchased just for them.
“I’m pretty much happy and thank god for this, it’s a blessing,” said Horton. “Just to see my kids happy for real, they’ve been through a lot, a lot has been going on since COVID and I just like to see them smile.”
She has eight children and told Local 4 it’s been a struggle paying rent, bills, and getting kids back and forth to school.
“I’m just happy I don’t have to do it alone,” Horton said. “I had my best friend and she’s been helping me out through this she brought me here because at first we didn’t have no way to make it.”
DRMM hosted a Christmas celebration to distribute the gifts. The celebration included a visit from Santa, food, fellowship, and music from the Detroit Rescue Mission Choir.
“The best thing in life is for you to bring hope to somebody who lost it or to draw back a smile on somebody’s face,” said Audi.