Ongoing throughout the spring, summer and fall, the Cobo Cares program provides free exercise, networking and community engagement opportunities for Detroit’s local downtown community, working with the North End Youth Improvement Council. Zumba, yoga and Tai Chi are activities that support and give back to local non-profits such as Forgotten Harvest and COTS (Coalition On Temporary Shelter, a private, non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, as well as comprehensive support services for the homeless and at-risk population in Detroit).
Annually, the Adopt-A-Child Christmas party for disadvantaged children is held in the Cobo Center. Detroit families can gather in a safe and warm space to celebrate the holiday along with sponsoring a family of children for the holidays.
On Dec. 10, thousands of people, all races and religions, participated in the evening festivities: screaming, ripping open presents, hugging each other, swapping smiles, kissing and crying tears of joy. Generous people from the Metro Detroit area, as well as distant communities across the state and Canada, presented gifts of winter clothing and toys to the Detroit area children who range from 0 to 12 years old. Once sponsors received the name, age and clothing size for each child they have agreed to adopt, wrapped gifts are brought to the Cobo Center celebrating the evening with their adopted families. Volunteers from church and school choirs, marching bands, theater groups, clowns and more, contributed refreshments and entertainment for season’s joy.
The North End Youth Improvement Council (NEYIC) is a volunteer-based community organization with the mission of addressing the needs and concerns of youth in Metropolitan Detroit. Their mission is to foster and promote awareness and interest in the need of a wholesome community. They organize and sponsor educational and recreational activities year around and furnish information on available resources of social, educational and financial assistance in maintaining, renovating and beautifying the community. Their goal is to motivate, inspire and enhance the self-esteem of disadvantaged youths and their families. For more info, visit http://neyic.org/
