On Sunday, December 22, Mateen Cleaves and Meijer on Pierson Rd. in Flint partnered to provide a $100 shopping spree just in time for Christmas to all 48 children living at and receiving therapeutic care at Whaley Children’s Center. “Our children were overjoyed when they were told they could buy whatever they wanted,” said Katrina Khouri, Director of Development at the Center. “So many of our kids have never experienced the joy of this season because of abusive and neglectful family circumstances, which is why this shopping event was very special.”
Katrina said that one of the kids held Mateen’s hand the entire time and asked him to help her pick out her gifts. “It was one of the most heartwarming days of the year to see all the children happy – forgetting about the pain of their past and looking forward to a future,” she added. Through Cleaves’ “1 Goal 1 Passion” campaign, the children were able to purchase toys, clothes or personal items of their choosing.
The Whaley kids are just a few of the local children and families impacted by Cleaves during this holiday season. “Through this campaign, we help so many families celebrate the holidays in a way they might not have thought possible,” says Katrina. “We are so thankful that our children were included in such generous giving this season.”
Whaley Children’s Center provides residential child care services to children 5-17 years old who have suffered chronic and profound abuse and neglect. The services provided to kids and families include residential treatment, group homes, and family counseling and aftercare.
