The Hometown Holiday Assist, an all-inclusive holiday experience program for five metro Detroit families in need, sponsored by the Detroit Red Wings this past holiday season, had an unexpected benefit for Samaritas -- a donation!

One program winner, the Neal family received gifts, food, decor and other supplies that Tigers pitching coach Chris Fetter, broadcasters Dan Dickerson and Matt Shepard, and Red Wings players Dylan Larkin, Luke Glendening and Darren Helm all helped shop for and deliver.

In addition to the things they received to make their season bright, participating families were encouraged to “pay-it-forward” by making a donation to an organization that has made an impact in their lives -- needless to say, the Neal family named us!

Samaritas continues to be grateful for the people in the communities we serve and our community service peers in business, government and non-profit that all work tirelessly to make a difference.