Dearborn — ACCESS employees made dreams come true on Friday, Dec. 19, when they provided gifts to 900 smiling children at Salina Elementary School just in time for the Christmas holiday.

​For more than 40 years, ACCESS has teamed up with local businesses and nonprofit groups in December to distribute toys to elementary schoolchildren on Dearborn’s southeast side. 

The event is sponsored by ACCESS and Comerica Bank, which has partnered with ACCESS for the past 14 years. Other partners include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Kiwanis Club of Dearborn. The annual event includes healthy snacks, Christmas caroling and a special visit with Santa Claus.

​“We look forward to this event every year, and so do the kids,” said Brigitte Anouti, co-director of Social Services at ACCESS. “This event is about giving back to the community and putting a smile on the faces of children who may be receiving their one toy for the holiday season. This is a labor of love and a great collaborative effort by four very caring groups.”