In a big display of holiday giving, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores has once again demonstrated his commitment to making a positive impact in the Detroit community. Gores’ recent contribution: teaming with the organizations in Detroit, Flint, and Downriver to deliver more than 10,000 toys, bicycles, scooters, and headphones to area children and families.
The festivities began with Voices for Children, a nonprofit organization, which organized a special gift event for families and children on Dec. 12. In Detroit on Friday, Dec. 15, the U.S. Marines and dedicated volunteers from the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program hosted a similar event at Eastern Market. Additionally, Gores is also supporting The Salvation Army Downriver Corps with an additional $25,000 donation.
The carefully curated donation includes an assortment of toys, bicycles, scooters, and headphones, ensuring that children of all ages can experience the magic of the season. Balance bikes with helmets are being gifted to children under three, while those aged 4-7 will receive bicycles with training wheels and helmets. Youth aged 8-10 are in for a treat with scooters and Lego sets, while those aged 11-13 will be receiving 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 have been dedicated advocates for various causes in the Detroit area, aiming to improve the quality of life for families in need and contribute to the revitalization of the region and the state. Having grown up in the area, the couple has been supporting holiday toy distributions across Michigan since 2006, delivering over 155,000 gifts to families.
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. The couple’s commitment to community service and holiday gift-giving programs has been steadfast, even after initially supporting the programs as a “Secret Santa” for seven years before deciding to be identified in 2013 to encourage others to join in with contributions of their own.
Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, expressed gratitude, stating, “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 emphasized the impact of the donation on children who often don’t experience 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,” said Hollman. “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.”
Tom Gores shared the motivation behind the family’s longstanding commitment to holiday giving. “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 said.
Gores, a prominent figure in the Detroit business community, has not limited his impact to the holiday season. He and his wife have supported a multitude of Detroit-area causes focused on improving the quality of life for families in need and contributing to the overall revitalization of the region and the state.
The couple’s dedication to supporting holiday toy distributions across Michigan dates back to 2006, delivering over 155,000 gifts to families. The Gores family’s partnership with Toys for Tots, which began in 2009, has resulted in the delivery of over 132,000 toys to more than 65,000 children. Before 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 to encourage others to join in with contributions of their own. His decision marked a turning point, inspiring increased community involvement and support for the meaningful initiatives aimed at brightening the holidays for those less fortunate.
Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, expressing the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation’s appreciation, said, “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 highlighted the donation’s impact on children facing difficult circumstances. “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, expressed gratitude for the Gores family’s contribution to their current campaign, stating, “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.”
As the holiday season unfolds, Tom and Holly Gores continue to serve as beacons of hope, spreading joy and warmth to families across Michigan. Their commitment to making a positive impact in the community reflects the true spirit of the season, reminding everyone that, indeed, this is a time for joy, compassion, and giving.
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