Adopt-A-Child Celebrates 50 Years by Giving Early Christmas to Thousands of Kids

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Dec 09, 2011, 10:16 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

What:	Adopt-A-Child Annual Christmas party, Founded by Delores Bennett/Northend Youth Improvement Council (NEYIC)
	(8,000 expected (4,000 kids, plus 4,000 sponsors, parents and volunteers)
When:	Friday, December 9th - 5pm -8pm
	Doors open 5 pm, program 6pm
	Special events for children arriving early.
Who:	Supported by corporate sponsors, VIPs, and political officials
Where:	Cobo Conference Center - Michigan Hall
Entertainment:	Marching bands, games, mascots, drill teams and performers

At 80 years old Delores Bennett, founder of Adopt-A-Child hasn't missed a beat as she prepares for the 50th Anniversary Adopt-A-Child Annual Christmas party at Cobo Conference Center this Friday. Parents and kids will start arriving at 5pm. The program starts at 6pm. "It's an early Christmas for kids receiving warm clothing, toys and bikes," says Bennett. Even with this economy, the spirit of giving has not taken a back seat when kids are involved," she adds.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030828/WHITECASTLELOGO)

White Castle, one of Adopt-a-Child's major supporters, has adopted 75 children and will present a check to the organization and their gifts to their adopted families on Friday. "It's a tradition," says Cheryl Collier, White Castle Detroit District Supervisor. "We feel it's the right thing to do because no child should be without warm clothes and toys, especially for Christmas," Collier emphasized.

Tamika Monroe, mother of 8 got laid off 8 months ago from Detroit public Schools when some of the schools closed. She is thrilled her children ages 2, 9, 7 and 12 are receiving White Castle's gifts at the party. (Cell phone 313-459-4746)

Myron Wright, a single father on disability is participating for the first time. His children ages, 3, 10, 9 and 5 will join him. "I'm struggling right now, and I couldn't get them too much for Christmas this year. This is truly a blessing…people helping other people," Wright says. His family is also being adopted by White Castle. (cell 313-653-9124)

Some of the sponsors (including White Castle) are: Judge Craig Strong, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, sports and entertainment celebrities, elected officials, VIPs, United Way, The Skillman Foundation, Chase Bank, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, AT & T, GM, Beaumont Hospital, Strategic Staffing Solutions, and more.

For more information on Adopt-A-Child or go to www.neyic.org

White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates more than 400 White Castle restaurants in 11 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and is America's first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100-percent USDA approved beef or 100-percent white meat chicken. This year, the company celebrates its 90th birthday with special events and promotions occurring throughout the year. For more information on White Castle, visit www.whitecastle.com.

SOURCE White Castle