A Holiday Assist: Red Wings and Tigers Partner with Meijer and Salvation Army to Bring Holiday Cheer to Detroit Families in Need

Through the annual Hometown Holiday Assist initiative, the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers partnered with Meijer and The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division’s community program, Pathway of Hope, to bring joy to local families. Pathway of Hope offers services to families seeking to break the cycle of poverty.  

During this year’s Hometown Holiday Assist, five local families identified through the Pathway of Hope initiative were surprised by the Red Wings, Tigers and Meijer with an all-inclusive holiday experience.

“The Salvation Army has enjoyed a long, storied and successful relationship with the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers,” Major Timothy Meyer, general secretary, metro Detroit area commander and chief operating officer for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division, said. “In a year that has been difficult for thousands of metro Detroit families, it’s a blessing to know that there’s individuals in this community, including the amazing folks with the Red Wings and Tigers, who are helping rescue Christmas.”

Meijer, players from both teams, as well as coaches and front office staff donated thousands of dollars towards the initiative. Colleagues and players then took to the Meijer in Royal Oak, Mich. to purchase gifts, décor, food and a $200 Meijer gift card for five families and then surprised them outside of their homes, along with pre-recorded holiday greetings from Red Wings and Tigers players.

The families were also given the opportunity to “pay it forward,” by donating $1,000 of Hometown Holiday Assist funds to an organization of their choosing. Recipients included the Ronald McDonald House, the National Diabetes Association, The Salvation Army and the Samaritas Family Center.

“The benefits of this initiative extend beyond the gifts and food delivered to each home,” said Kevin Brown, director of community impact for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers. “True to the spirit of giving and receiving, many additional lives will be positively impacted through the pay-it-forward donations directed by each recipient family to nonprofits near and dear to their hearts.”

To learn more about Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers community impact efforts, visit DetroitRedWings.com and DetroitTigers.com. Learn more about The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division and Pathway of Hope here.

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