Featured Image: Holiday gifts being given out at Creekside Court Community Center

A December to Remember

December was a whirlwind of activity, underscoring the dedication and collaboration that defines our community. Throughout the month, a prevailing theme emerged as we actively forged meaningful partnerships to pull off our gift drive, host parties, and obtain essential items for our families. Each of these partnerships contributed to our shared mission with an inspiring blend of passion and purpose. As the holiday season enveloped us in both joy and reflection, we want to share some updates and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners for their unwavering support.

We hope everyone enjoyed a restful holiday season and carries the spirit of unity and kindness forward into the months ahead!

Holiday Gift Drive SUCCESS!

Thank you so much to every generous individual and group who participated in CAN's Holiday Gift Drive this year!

This is such a special program at CAN which allows us to ensure our families have an abundant holiday season despite financial barriers they may be facing.

Together we were able to deliver gifts to over 275 children!

Holiday Parties

It was a special month full of tons of fun! Each of our communities gathered together to celebrate the holiday season. Activities included a Santa and The Grinch meet and greet, photo ops, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, great food, and much more. We love any chance to get together and build relationships among community members, but the added magic of the holidays always makes it an even better time!

Other Events!

December was a month FULL of exciting events at CAN in addition to all the holiday festivities!

We hosted our SECOND annual Holiday Pop-up Shop at Bryant Community Center!

Bryant community members showcased their handmade goods, fresh bakery items, unique art, and more!

Thank you to everyone who came out!

A big thank you to all of our Artquake Sponsors below!

On December 17th CAN hosted an Art & Design fundraiser in partnership with Doodle's Academy to celebrate the amazing art that Doodle's and CAN students created this semester! Families were able to peruse the student gallery, try our mystery candy cane grab bags, and then participate in a gingerbread house making competition in which families competed against one another to see which house would withstand an earthquake on our very own shake table! CAN A&D and Doodle's brought in approximately $1,800 that goes directly towards supporting art programming for our students.

The

Nabilsi

Family

Thank you so much to:

Molly Ging from The Little Seedling for donating educational toys to CAN

Reinhart Realtors for the donation of winter coats and other cold weather gear

Ann Arbor Social Capital Fund for 30 break bags for our Bryant families

First Baptist Church for a huge delivery of cleaning supplies, personal care items, and food for Hikone community members

Kids in Science for 250 science kits for our kiddos

Alpha Kappa Psi for 24 fleece blankets

Moo Duk Martial Arts Institute for the holiday goody baskets for Hikone families

Ann Arbor Transit for the donation of coats

The City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation for hosting a food and personal care item drive for CAN

And Techstreet for hosting our holiday party at Bryant Community Center

We appreciate you all so much!

CAN's $50,000 Match Update!

Thanks to everyone's generosity this season, we were able to reach our match goal of $50,000!

This means $50,000 was DOUBLED to $100,000 for CAN families!

By the end of the year, we were able to raise $150,658.22 to sustain CAN's programs and services into the New Year and through 2024!

Thank you to everyone who was able to share their resources, time, or talent this year to support Community Action Network!

Don't miss Bryant's next Swap Day!

Everyone is welcome!

Want To Support CAN's Mission?

PO Box 130076

Ann Arbor, MI 48113

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Community Action Network partners with children, youth, and families from under-resourced Washtenaw County neighborhoods to create better futures for themselves and improve the communities in which they live.

Community Action Network

info@canwashtenaw.org

www.canwashtenaw.org

(734) 994-2985

PO Box 130076, Ann Arbor, MI 48113