DETROIT – Members of local Community Violence Intervention (CVI) groups across the city of Detroit are working to make sure some of the families in the areas they serve are not ignored this holiday season.
Organizations, including Detroit Friends and Family, Force Detroit, and 55th Foundation, are hosting Christmas Toy Giveaway events.
CVI groups are committed to helping reduce gun violence and other crimes while addressing community challenges in specific target zones, or hot spots, across the city.
“We’re letting the people know how to put down guns and, more than likely, pick up a hammer,” explained Michael Rogers of 55th Foundation. “We help them do some work.”
Members of local CVI groups said they are seeing positive results by forming relationships with neighbors and businesses.
They are helping residents access critical resources and providing support in areas where some residents believe neighbors have been ignored or neglected.
The work of local CVI groups has resulted in up to an 83% reduction in gun violence in some areas, according to city of Detroit leaders.
“The work is proactive,” said Darrell Ewing of Detroit Friends and Family. “We do the work that the police can’t do. We stop the crime before it happens, and we mediate with the youngsters, and we push them into purpose, where they don’t have to worry about feuding and warring.”
This holiday season, 55th Foundation is hosting a Christmas Toy Giveaway from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Carmen’s, 14650 Gratiot Avenue.
Detroit Friends and Family is partnering with rapper Icewear Vezzo and Detroit Lions player Za’Darius Smith
for its Christmas Toy Giveaway scheduled for Monday, Dec. 23, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Impact Church located at 12844 Elmdale Street.
The group said Smith was also helping them give away a car to a family in need during their event.
“To actually get into the free raffle you have to send a video in to @MrBeatTheOdds on Instagram,” Ewing said. “Let the people know this is why I’m in dire need of this car and why.”
The CVI groups said the holiday events are their way of giving back this holiday season and looking out for the communities they serve.