Ilitch Companies Colleagues Lend a Hand to Mittens for Detroit

This month, volunteers from the Ilitch Companies partnered with a local nonprofit organization to help keep Detroiters warm in the cold winter months. Mittens for Detroit collects, purchases, and distributes gloves and mittens to children, teens, and adults in Detroit and surrounding areas. Executive Director Wendy Shepherd expressed that their organization heavily depends on volunteers.

“The only reason that Mittens for Detroit has been around since November 2010 is because we have such great support from the community,” said Shepherd. “This year, we had 500 volunteers to process gloves out, which means that together, we’re warming the hearts and hands of Detroiters.”

Colleagues took part in the organization’s annual Big Sort event, where Mittens and Gloves are sorted and boxed up for delivery. The mittens that Ilitch Companies volunteers sorted and packed went to elementary schools throughout Pontiac. Little Caesars colleague, Angela Borden, joined in on the volunteer project.

“It feels really good to be here helping out, especially with the temperatures being in the single digits. I can't imagine what it would be like to not have gloves or mittens on,” said Borden. “So it's really heartwarming that we're able to help out in the community that we're a part of, to make sure that kids and adults and teens all have hand protection at a time like this, especially.”

The Ilitch Companies Colleague Engagement Program continues to provide opportunities for colleagues to get out into the community, support local charities, and make a meaningful difference through hands-on service.

‍