The premise of the charity event was for local schools, churches and businesses to “adopt” a family for the holiday season and fill their wish list.  It could be toys and games for children or something as essential as baby formula or a warm blanket.  When I entered the gymnasium at the Church it was literally filled to the brim with such items.

I expected to see many families in need this holiday season…….but what really took me by surprise was how many families’ wishes were fulfilled!  Even though family after family is struggling,  people in the community were still able to pull together and make someone else’s holidays a little bit brighter.

One particular donation that really touched me was when a caravan of cars pulled up and about 25 elementary school-aged children jumped out, gifts in tow.  They came running in and had smiles on their faces and proudly announced that they were here “to help our adopted families”.  After all of the items were brought in and inventoried we all stopped and gave the kids a HUGE standing ovation. Their faces were beaming! They were so proud of themselves and so full of happiness………you would have thought Santa made a surprise visit!

Lighthouse of Oakland County has so many incredible ways that they help others in need. I was truly impressed with our Quicken Loans team that gave up their Saturday morning to help others and all of the Lighthouse of Oakland County representatives that coordinated the event. The volunteers that helped out are such terrific people that work tirelessly to help others.

Even though I only spent a few hours with them that day, the affect it had on me will last me for a long time to come.