During a Michigan winter, few things are considered warm. Two employees at the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit — Eli Sullivan and Will Kim — sought to spread the warmth for the second year in a row.
In November and December, they held a winter clothing drive in the lobby of the Boll Y to benefit individuals in challenging situations who could greatly use the assistance. They were able to collect over 275 coats, and over 400 other winter items, including hats, gloves, socks and scarves. The items were donated to local nonprofit organizations, including Mercy Primary Care, which provides health care and hygiene services to individuals who are homeless or housing insecure; Mariner’s Inn, which provides housing, support and counseling services to men battling substance abuse; and Haven, which provides safe housing, support and counseling services for women and children leaving abusive homes.
“We are so grateful for the help and contributions of the YMCA, its members, and everyone else who donated,” Eli said. “We hope to keep this going again next year.”