ROYAL OAK — Santa is getting a lot of help this season from metro Detroiters. Each and every child in Judson Center’s care, over 600 children in need, will wake up Christmas morning to find gifts waiting for them because of the generosity of our supporters.
Every year, Judson Center collects Christmas wishes from children receiving its services. Many of these children have suffered abuse, neglect and unspeakable trauma during their short lifetime. The Christmas Wish program brings the holidays to them. The children’s wishes are ‘adopted’ by compassionate people in our community who want to make the holiday bright for children who otherwise would not have a holiday celebration at all. This annual program is a beloved tradition led by many elves from some of southeast Michigan’s largest organizations and companies. The employees at Beaumont Health System, Inergy Automotive, Compuware, Altair Engineering, the Southfield Police Department and many more, are our holiday heroes.
The delivery from Beaumont is quite spectacular. Gifts for 250 children arrive in a big box truck and are rolled in on six foot tall shelving units. Once unloaded, the sight resembles a toy warehouse from the North Pole.
Compuware has its own holiday tradition. For 26 years, a crew of employees tackles the Black Friday madness with wish lists and coupons in hand, with the sole mission to make the most of every dollar, so that children in need have an unforgettable holiday. But they don’t stop there. They throw a holiday party for these children right in their headquarters with a special appearance from Santa.
“It is heartwarming to have so many in our community reach out to brighten the holiday for these children facing unimaginable challenges,” Cameron Hosner, president of Judson Center said. “Children, who simply wish for socks and underwear, will now receive new toys, books, games, complete outfits and more, due to the love of this community — a community of caring.”
