Each year, Americans pause on Veterans Day to reflect on the sacrifices of the brave men and women in the military. And daily, our local veterans’ organizations work tirelessly to enhance the lives of those who have supported us all. The Detroit Tigers Foundation recently assisted two Detroit veterans’ organizations: the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and the Michigan Veterans Foundation.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much the people of Detroit care about Veterans,” Bill Browning, chief of volunteer and community relations for the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, said. “The pandemic has challenged us all. Yet, there are so many people willing to share their time and energy to make it better for others.”
The donation from the Tigers filled a year-end gap in services with the veteran food distribution program at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, funding the program for the remainder of 2020, and providing 200 food boxes monthly for veterans. Each box contains more than 30 pounds of shelf-stable foods. The donation was made possible through partnership with the Gleaners Community Food Bank, which provides area households with access to sufficient, nutritious food and related resources.
In addition, the Tigers donated nearly $3,000 to provide 450 gloves to the Michigan Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit that offers transitional housing facility and resources for homeless veterans. This donation was made possible through partnership with Mittens for Detroit, a nonprofit with the purpose of collecting, purchasing and distributing new mittens and gloves to area children, teens and adults in need.
“We’re so excited to have Mittens for Detroit with the Detroit Tigers team here to help us support our veterans and keep their hands warm this winter,” Raeda Dabaja, CEO of Michigan Veterans Foundation, said. “We have a good relationship with the Tigers. Every year they participate with us, send us tickets and invite veterans to Armed Forces and Veteran Recognition Day.”
The Tigers proudly give back to those who serve through a variety of programs each year. Previously, the organization offered thousands of complimentary and discounted tickets to active members and veterans. On select days during the regular season, recently returned members of the Armed Forces deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound in front of the crowd at Comerica Park as a symbol of appreciation. The Tigers also hosted Armed Forces and Veteran Recognition Day at Comerica Park, providing unique experiences for active service members, veterans and their families.
Learn more about the Tigers work in the community at Tigers.com/Community.
