Photo credit Michigan Chronicle
A little boy wobbled under the weight of a shiny new bike as his mother helped him, his tiny arms barely managing to steady the handlebars as he made his way to the car. His face lit up brighter than the holiday lights around him, and with a joyful squeal, he shouted, “You see my new bike?!”
This wasn’t just a gift; it was a dream on two wheels, the kind of magic that makes the holidays unforgettable for kids.
Photo credit Michigan Chronicle
This holiday season, the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving is riding high in Michigan, thanks to Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. His generous contribution was delivering over 10,000 toys, bikes, scooters, and headphones to brighten the holidays for families in Detroit, Flint, and the metro area.
The U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots volunteers took time to spread cheer in Detroit at Eastern Market, while Voices for Children prepare to do the same in Flint next week. Adding to the joy, Gores has donated $25,000 to The Salvation Army Downriver Corps, ensuring no wish goes unanswered this December.
All children under three years old received balance bikes along with helmets. Children aged 4 to 7 received bicycles equipped with training wheels and helmets. Youth aged 8 to 10 received scooters and Lego sets, while those aged 11 to 13 will receive wireless headphones.
Brittany Simpson, a mother of three little girls, highlighted that parents are not alone this holiday season and don’t have to figure things out alone, even during tough times.
“Right now, everybody is dealing with something, financially, if it’s not the food, it’s bills and everything else,” Simpson said.
“Today is a great opportunity for the kids to see that other people do care. It’s not always just you by yourself. It is a community around you to help you and your family.”
Gores and his wife, Holly, support several Detroit-area causes focused on improving the quality of life for families in need and contributing to revitalizing the region and the state. They grew up in the area and have supported holiday toy distributions across Michigan since 2006.
The Gores family’s collaboration with Toys for Tots started in 2009 and has provided over 140,000 toys to more than 70,000 children. (Before partnering with Toys for Tots, Mr. Gores contributed to similar gift-giving initiatives through various organizations.) After being a “Secret Santa” for seven years, Mr. Gores decided in 2013 to reveal his identity to inspire others to contribute as well.
Duncan Murdock, brother to Holly, emphasized that the Gores family holds the entire metro area near and dear to their hearts. The Gores family has direct ties from Genesee, Wayne County, and everything in between.
“Tom and Holly wanted to give back. It’s part of who they are, and they want to make sure that the kids in Detroit wake up in the morning, come down the stairs, and see the Christmas tree with gifts under it,” Murdock said.
“They renew hope for these families and the children.”
Retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, Vice President of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, echoed Murdock and highlighted finding a present under the tree on Christmas morning is an experience every child deserves.
“Tom and Holly Gores have certainly done more than their fair share to help us bring that joy to children whose families have suffered so much,” Silvester said.
“With their generous support, we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many thousands of economically disadvantaged children in the Detroit area, who otherwise might have been forgotten.”
Photo credit Michigan Chronicle
Voices for Children CEO Claudnyse Holloman said the Gores’ generous contribution not only brings holiday cheer to communities in need, but also honors the incredible resilience and strength of the young survivors that Voice for Children serves.
“Voices for Children deeply appreciate Tom and Holly Gores for their compassionate and loving support and dedication to child survivors,” said Holloman.
Former Pistons Coach Dwayne Casey emphasized the significant contributions made by the Gores and his organization to the community, noting that many of their efforts occur quietly behind the scenes. He pointed out that these efforts often go unrecognized, yet they play a crucial role in the community.
“It’s about giving back to the community and helping the less fortunate. Because we’re all a phone call, a broken leg, torn ligament away from having hard time. So let’s make sure we give back when we have an opportunity to give back,” Casey said.
“And I will say this, that’s why I love Tom Gores. He puts his money where his mouth is in the inner city, here in Detroit, and I can’t say enough about what he does. A lot of it’s behind the scenes. People don’t recognize it, but he does so much for this community that it’s a blessing to have him as owner of our team.”
Shawn Sutter, Sr. – Lieutenant, Pastor, Administrator, and Corps Officer for The Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center emphasized that the donations from the Gores family will support their campaign and help reach more families.
“The Salvation Army Downriver would like to thank Tom and Holly Gores for helping us provide gifts for over 800 Downriver families with children,” said Lt. Shawn. “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.”
