Christmas Gets a Head Start in Royal Oak

It was Christmas in August at the in Royal Oak.

The drizzling rain may have kept Santa from showing up in his classic sleigh, but it didn't stop toys from pouring in for the Coalition On Temporary Shelter (COTS). 

"We probably collected as many as 120 toys," said Joe Polito, manager and founding member of the Woodward Warehouse. The event united all types of classic car enthusiasts to help support a toy drive for COTS.

Founded in 1982, COTS (cotsdetroit.org) is a private, nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, as well as comprehensive support services for the homeless and at-risk population.

Every December COTS hosts a Santa Party for over 300 children and their families, said Robyn Smith, COTS community relations and events director. 

"Families have an opportunity to get out of shelters go to Masonic Temple (in Detroit) and celebrate Christmas," said Smith. "It decorated beautifully. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive and entertain the children while parents have the opportunity to shop in a room that looks like a department store filled with toys and gifts."

Smith said COTS tries to collect 2,000 toys at 20 to 30 toy drives - most are held in November and December.

"This is so great because it's only August! I am very happy," Smith said.

Ron Pruette helped organize the toy drive at the Woodward Warehouse to make people aware of COTS.

"Because of the economy, homelessness isn't just about people that were born into poverty. It hits all levels. People lost jobs and they have kids," said Pruette. "They need to have a place to stay and they need to have a Christmas."

Get involved

There are plenty of ways to be involved with the Santa Party at the Masonic Temple, Smith said. 

"We need reindeer volunteers to help with arts and crafts, Santa's helpers to help with photos and elves to help in the Santa Shop," Smith said. "We need about 100 volunteers that day. Sometimes we get Girl Scout troops that want to be involved and sometimes we have entire families that come down."

If you would like to volunteer at the Santa Party in December or host a toy drive, call Smith at 313-576-0223.