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Program Puts Toys Under The Tree For Families In Need

DETROIT (WWJ) - It'll be a merrier Christmas for some local families in need, getting a little help through the DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan's Adopt-a-Family program.

For Detroit mom Renethia Jones, not receiving gifts for Christmas is nothing to get upset over. She's a grownup and she says she understand the true meaning of the holiday. But Jones has two young children -- a 3-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter who has special needs and requires round-the-clock medical attention.

adopt-a-family
(credit: WWJ/Pat Sweeting)

The kids don't yet understand that their mom is unemployed, may lose their home and can't afford to buy Christmas presents.

But thanks to a generous couple with 10 children themselves, Jones' kids will have toys under the tree.

"I'm very appreciative and grateful to have someone to bless us," Jones said, adding that she hopes one day she'll be able to do the same for someone else.

So, she doesn't want gifts for herself, but WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting asked Jones what is on her wish list this holiday season.

"I have a vehicle, but ... it doesn't work right now. So, if I was able to, like, get my vehicle fixed and be able to, you know, stand on my own feet then that would be a blessing," said Jones, who currently relies on her mother for transportation.

Sponsored by Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation, the hospital's Adopt-A-Family program helps by connecting families in need with generous people and organizations in the community to provide food and gifts they would otherwise go without. The families are identified by the hospital's social workers throughout the year.

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