The “Adopt-a-Child” Christmas Program was initially developed by Mrs. Delores Bennett, a former Wayne County Commissioner and founder of Detroit’s North End Youth Improvement Council (N.E.Y.I.C.), who has devoted her life to helping disadvantaged children overcome the obstacles that would rob them of their hopes and dreams. She started putting on her Adopt-a-Child Christmas Parties back in the 1960’s. Only 100 or so children participated in the early programs, but over the years her parties have grown steadily to over 10,000 children.

Mrs. Bennett is the reason so many young people on Detroit’s North End (the area around Detroit Northern High School) where she lives are self confident and proud despite their circumstances. She is the reason they opt to sweep streets and plant flowers, rather than turning to crime. She never tires of hugging them when they’re right or discipline them when they are wrong. 

Each year, thanks to the generosity and goodwill from people throughout the Metro Detroit area, Canada and distant cities across the state, the children are given gifts of winter clothing. Each sponsor or “adopting parent” will receive the name of a child, age (birth to 12 years) and clothing size for each child they adopt. In addition the “adopting parents” spend time with their newly “adopted children” at the Annual Christmas Party. The Adopt-a-Child Christmas party fills a room at the Cobo Center with thousands of kids joyfully screaming, crying, laughing, hugging and of course ripping open presents. St. Nick will be there to hand out toys and there will be plenty of snacks and entertainment (clowns, marching bands, choirs etc…). Mrs. Bennett believes that the adult sponsors in the “Adopt-a-Child” program benefits as much as the kids.  While the adoptions are only temporary, lasting only a day, the happiness experienced by those who give and those who receive last a lifetime. 

To realize this year’s goal, scores of adopting parents are needed. Typically, the project runs out of good Samaritans long before they run out if children in need of assistance. If you would like to sponsor a child or for more information about the program please call Mrs. Bennett at (313) 871-7529.  Additionally money is needed to purchase Christmas toys for the children and donations are tax deductible. To make a donation to the “Adopt-a-Child” program, please send your check payable to the North End Youth Improvement Council or N.E.Y.I.C., 111 King Street, Detroit, MI 48202. 

Help disadvantaged children by providing

        A warm winter coat or Jacket

        Two warm outfits

        At least one age appropriate toy (other gifts or toys optional)