United Way for Southeastern Michigan and the Detroit Pistons Team Up to Provide Meals and Support Healthy Habits for Kids During Winter Break from School

DETROIT, Feb. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, February 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center at 8431 Rosa Parks Boulevard in Detroit, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is teaming up with the Detroit Pistons to provide children from Thirkell Elementary-Middle School in Detroit and children and families involved in Rec Center activities with backpacks of food to sustain them and their families during the week of winter break from school.  Often, kids who are eligible for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school do not have access to these meals during winter break week.

In addition to serving lunch on-site on February 16 and providing backpacks, United Way and the Pistons have many fun activities planned.  Detroit Pistons legend Earl Cureton will make a special guest appearance, as will Pistons mascot "Hooper," who will entertain the children. The Pistons will run a basketball clinic at the recreation center that day, and there will be opportunities for multigenerational activities among kids, parents, and caregivers.  There also will be a DJ and face painters.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Gleaners Food Bank are working together to provide the backpacks to Thirkell students and their families. 

For more than three years, through the Meet Up and Eat Up program, United Way and its community partners have worked to close the meal gap during summer months when school meals are not available. Now they are testing ways to make food available during the many smaller breaks that occur throughout the school year.

Michael J. Brennan, President and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan, said:  "When school is out for winter break, it can be difficult for families to make up for the loss of school meals and to find enrichment activities for kids.  This event for Thirkell Elementary School students and families is a test to see how we can work with partners to close the food gap and meet the needs of families in Greater Detroit when school is out.  Our partnerships with organizations like the Pistons, Gleaners, and the Detroit Recreation Department help us reach even more children and their families." 

About United Way for Southeastern Michigan
United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Campaign and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.LiveUnitedSEM.org.

SOURCE United Way for Southeastern Michigan

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www.liveunitedsem.org