Shelby Township Giving Tree, police holiday gift card drive unite community
 In the spirit of the season, Shelby Township has officially launched its annual Giving Tree program, a cherished initiative that encourages residents to spread holiday cheer to neighbors in need.
New this year, the Giving Tree effort is bolstered by the Shelby Township Police Department’s participation in the regional police holiday gift card drive ensuring children and families can feel the warmth of community generosity.
“The Giving Tree is a testament to the generosity of our residents,” said Township Clerk Stanley Grot, who oversees delivery of the collected items after the holidays. “It’s heartening to witness the outpouring of support, as each donated item brings joy and warmth to families facing challenges during the holidays.”
In addition to physically dropping off items at Township Hall at 52700 Van Dyke Ave., supporters can purchase items from the Giving Tree wish list on Amazon, and their donations will be delivered to Township Hall. You can find a link to the wish list at shelbytwp.org/Christmas.
Since its inception in 2015, the Giving Tree program has been a cornerstone of the township’s holiday outreach. In 2023 alone, residents donated an impressive 1,528 items to Samaritan House, a local nonprofit food pantry located at 62324 Van Dyke Ave. in Washington Township.
Over the years, the Giving Tree program has collected more than 20,000 items, supporting Samaritan House’s mission of providing critical resources to individuals and families in northwest Macomb County.
“The need in our community doesn’t end with the holidays,” said Shelby Township Deputy Supervisor Lynde Oddo. “Shelby Township’s Giving Tree restocks the shelves at Samaritan House for the new year and helps provide vital resources to those served by their programs.”
The program, spearheaded by the Township Supervisor’s Office and the Human Resources Department, invites residents to purchase items from the Samaritan House wish list and place them under the Christmas tree in Township Hall. Giving Tree donations will be collected through Dec. 23, and township staff will deliver the items in January.
In addition to the Giving Tree this year, the Shelby Township Police Department is joining a regional effort to bring joy to hospitalized children.
Initiated by the Bloomfield Township Police Department, the drive is a partnership of law enforcement agencies from the “Blue Family.” Participating police departments collect $25 gift cards from national chain stores or restaurants or Amazon so that families can purchase toys, books and games to comfort young patients during a challenging time. This drive benefits Ronald McDonald House and Corewell Health William Beaumont Pediatrics.
“We are proud to join other police departments in making the holidays a little brighter for children who can’t be home this season,” said Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide. “It’s a privilege to help spread joy in any way we can.”
Gift cards can be donated until Dec. 18 at the Shelby Township Police Department located at 52530 Van Dyke Ave., the Shelby Township Activities Center at 14975 21 Mile Road, the Shelby Township Library at 52610 Van Dyke Ave., or Hayes Social Bistro & Entertainment at 46793 Hayes Road.
Participating departments in this effort include Auburn Hills Police Department, Beverly Hills Department of Public Safety, Birmingham Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Lathrup Village Police Department, West Bloomfield Police Department, Royal Oak Police Department, White Lake Township Police Department, Berkley Department of Public Safety and Troy Police Department.
Participants can drop off their donations to the Giving Tree or the holiday gift card drive at the Shelby Township Christmas Aglow at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at the township’s Civic Center Campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. At the Aglow, Giving Tree donations can be deposited in the upper level of Township Hall, and gift cards can be dropped off at the Shelby Township Library.
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