SOUTHFIELD – This holiday season the non-profit humanitarian charity Life for Relief and Development, Radio Baladi, Good Morning Michigan Radio and Jakes Candy collaborated to launch a campaign aimed at assuring that needy children across southeast Michigan receive presents this Christmas. 

The campaign, Bringing the Holiday Cheer: Helping Families and Children in Need, involved collecting new toys, coats, gloves, boots, and scarves among other items for less privileged children. On Dec. 20 more than 100 children received the gifts collected during a special event at the Regency Manor in Southfield.

Single parent Veronica Brown of Highland Park was one of several mothers who attended the event with her children. The mother of four says before hearing about the campaign she was worried her children wouldn’t have gifts for the holiday.  “This is totally a blessing for me and my children,” she said. 

Children and their families were also treated to dinner at the gathering where gifts were distributed by a dressed up Santa Claus. The organizations leading the campaign thanked sponsors for their donations. Sponsors included individuals, education systems, media outlets and businesses among others.  

“We try to support everybody,” Life for Relief and Development Unity Relations Assistant Fawzy Kersha said.