For more than two decades, United Community Housing Coalition has carried out one of its most meaningful traditions: the Annual Christmas Project. What began as a small volunteer effort has grown into a cherished UCHC tradition entirely powered by staff, volunteers, and individual donors.
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No grant funds or government dollars support this project.
Every gift, every dollar, every wrapped present comes directly from people who want to bring joy to Detroit families during the holiday season.
What the Christmas Project Does
Each year, UCHC staff nominate families experiencing hardship, housing instability, or recovery from eviction. These families often have few resources during the holidays, yet remain hopeful and resilient.
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With community support, we provide:
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New toys for children
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Gifts for teens
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Warm winter items
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Items for seniors and disabled adults
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Holiday food baskets
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Individualized, labeled, and wrapped gifts for each childOur volunteers wrap each gift by hand, label every present, and deliver holiday baskets to families who cannot come pick them up.
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This project is not about charity — it’s about dignity, joy, and community.
The Story Behind Our Tagline:
“Give the gift you once wished for.”
One of the most meaningful stories in this tradition comes from 2024.
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A nine-year-old girl and her mother had lost everything in an illegal lockout. Throughout their court process, the child stayed by her mother’s side offering comfort and courage. When their case was finally resolved, she asked a single heartbreaking question:
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“But what about my bike?”
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It was the one possession she missed most — a symbol of freedom, normalcy, and childhood.
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A few days later, at our Christmas Project fundraiser, a woman walked in with donated gifts, including a bike that matched the little girl’s size and colors exactly. She didn’t know the child’s story. She only remembered wishing for a similar gift when she was young — something she never received — and wanted to give a child a chance she once longed for herself.
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Moments like that define the Christmas Project:
Simple gifts. Deep meaning. Shared humanity.
How You Can Participate
You can support the Christmas Project in several ways:
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Donate Gifts
We welcome new or handmade gifts for children, teens, seniors, and disabled adults.
Please, no used items.
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Donate Funds
Every dollar supports direct gift purchases, winter items, food baskets, or special needs for nominated families.
Designate contributions as “Christmas Project.”
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Join Us at the Annual Christmas Party
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:00-8:00 PM
Gaelic League, 2068 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
Light food, tea, and coffee provided.
Cash bar available.
No registration required.
Bring a gift if you’d like or simply join us to celebrate and connect.
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Help Wrap Gifts
Volunteers help wrap, sort, label, and prepare holiday baskets the week before Christmas.
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Help Deliver Gifts
Some families cannot come to UCHC to pick up their baskets.
Volunteer drivers help ensure every family receives their gifts with dignity and care.
Why the Christmas Project Matters
One of the most meaningful stories in this tradition comes from 2024.
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A nine-year-old girl and her mother had lost everything in an illegal lockout. Throughout their court process, the child stayed by her mother’s side offering comfort and courage. When their case was finally resolved, she asked a single heartbreaking question:
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“But what about my bike?”
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The families we serve show remarkable strength in the face of hardship. They work hard, care deeply, and often sacrifice much to keep their households together. The holiday season can feel overwhelming for families dealing with eviction, displacement, utility crises, or homelessness.
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This project brings a moment of joy - a reminder that their community sees them, values them, and stands with them.
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Every child deserves a moment of magic.
Every family deserves to feel supported.
Every act of giving makes a difference.
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Thank you for helping us “give the gift you once wished for.”