Now that people are in the holiday season, many are wanting to give to others. A lot of people donate to organizations like 'Toys For Tots' to make sure kids have a good Christmas, but many families in mid-Michigan need more than just toys.
Homeless Angels will be hosting a "free store" this weekend where people will be able to come and pick out clothes, household items, and anything they might need this holiday season for free. There will even be new smartphones available to those who qualify.
The new head of the Homeless Angels told FOX 47 News he has been working on it all year.
"As we hear about the needs we are just constantly filling it. So from Christmas Day night, we are shopping all year long in preparation for all that need that's out there today," said Tim Baise, President of Homeless Angels.
Volunteers have been working all week getting things ready for the event. They say the year-round planning really pays off in the end.
"On one of the lists a boy had asked for a 16-inch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle bike, and we had one exactly...we had one bike that was it. So it's really cool to hear those stories and how we can fill specific needs," said volunteer, Tom Warschefsky.
There will be a gift wrapping station available for parents to go ahead and wrap up their gifts and have them ready for Christmas. The organization hopes the event will help raise awareness to the needs of the community all year long and not just during the holidays.
"In reality, needs or people's needs stay constant all year long. Poverty does not discriminate. there are thousands of children without toys at Christmas time, and there are thousands of people without anything right now. So we want to be that bridge and help fill that," Said Baise.
Baise says they are already planning for next years "free store" and that any donations received will be saved and used for next year.
"We are already pre-planning for next year. I mean this is an on-going basis for us, it doesn't stop. So the more awareness we get, the more we can help," said Baise.
The organization is still taking donations for this weekends two-day event. They can be dropped off at the old Williamston High School.
The "free store" event will be happening this Saturday and Sunday at St.Casimir Church in Lansing.
The event is from 1-3 pm December 16th & 17th.
