After nearly 120 years serving the Ann Arbor community, Downtown Home and Garden welcomed customers for the final time on Christmas Eve before closing its doors permanently.

The beloved store on Ashley Street near Liberty Street first opened in 1906 and has been a cornerstone of downtown Ann Arbor for generations of shoppers who developed deep connections with both the business and its staff.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Historic Ann Arbor store closes after more than a century in business

"Great merchandising, always helpful and they brought something tangible to a cookie-cutter world of retail," Mark Doran said.

For many customers like Barbara Leonard, the store was woven into their weekly routines and held special meaning beyond just shopping.

"We came here almost every Saturday after going to the farmers market. Maybe pick up something from Zingerman's bakery out of the case and grab a cup of coffee. It was part of our routine," Leonard said.

Now, she's one of those who are left saddened about the closure.

"Because these people, they weren't just clerks in a store they are friends," Leonard said.

Downtown Home and Garden announced the closure in August, citing Ann Arbor's rising rent prices and changing consumer habits as contributing factors to the decision.

"It doesn't mean that this kind of business can't succeed in other places but right here right now with the way things are, this is the natural course," Kelly Vore said.

Vore, the store's owner, said the community's outpouring of support in the months leading up to the closure exceeded her expectations.

"All of our knowledge of people's affinity for this place and what we do is about a million times greater than we imagined," Vore said.

Staff members also expressed their appreciation for the historic building and its significance to the community. Daryl Strong, a staff member, noted the building's unique features, including original horse stalls in the basement.

"The physical building itself is amazing. It has served so many people for so long," Strong said. "It brings so much to the city and it will be sorely missed."

According to the property owner, Mark Hodesh, the space will likely become a bar or restaurant in the future due to the current landscape of downtown Ann Arbor. Hodesh added he has three groups interested in the space.

Despite the sadness surrounding the closure, Vore expressed gratitude for the store's long run and the opportunity to say goodbye properly.

"Nothing lasts forever in life. So to be able to have a long lovely goodbye is great for everyone," Vore said.

Hodesh also says that it is crucial that the next business that comes to the property preserves its history.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The holidays are considered one of the most joyful times of the year. But between shopping, cooking, and family dynamics, it can also become a big cause of stress.

According to the American Psychological Association, around 40 percent of adults in the U.S. say their stress increases during the holiday season. But experts I spoke to say there are things you can do to make this time of the year feel less hectic.

Watch Demetrios' report in the video player below

Therapist, nutritionist speak on managing emotions and diets during the holiday season

As holiday celebrations kick into full gear, there's a lot to look forward to. But for some, it doesn't come without added pressure.

"I think it's the expectation of getting gifts for everyone and trying to find a way to make everyone happy," said Royal Oak resident Antonio Dixon.

The stress around the holidays leaves people with different ways to manage it.

"It would be nice to have a little bit of time off to spend more time with your family and friends, but I think you should just worry about the time you can spend with them, not stress about everything else, because that's really what matters," said Diana Evans, who was visiting Royal Oak on Monday.

Heather Rae is the President and CEO of Common Ground in Pontiac, which provides mental health services. She said one of the biggest holiday stressors is overcommitment. This makes it critical to have a plan.

"When you know you're going to be going to some events where it's going to be stressful, think about not necessarily staying the whole time," Rae said. "But have that plan, and it's ok to set boundaries."

She also said limiting comparisons is a big help.

"Those soundbites that we see on social media are just that, they're soundbites," Rae said. "They're often not representations of real life, so be gentle with yourself."

Another place that can create worries during the holidays is the dinner table.

Ashlee Carnahan is the Manager of Nutrition and Education Services at Henry Ford Health. She says there are ways to enjoy your favorite meals without feeling guilty.

"We all go into the holidays setting ourselves up to fail, and we don't want to do that," Carnahan said. "Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables. That way, you can stuill eat the really healthy stuff and feel good but also treat yourself.

Carnahan emphasized the importance of making longer-term lifestyle changes.

"That's going to make you feel overall successful, especially around the holidays, and eliminate that anxiety of eating this and not that."

Christmas came early for a Detroit family of 10 after the Detroit Fire Department surprised them with a truck full of gifts, nearly a year after they lost their home and all belongings in a devastating fire.

On Jan. 6, Raychelle Womack and her family were living in their home on Santa Rosa Drive near Fullerton Street when it caught fire. All their possessions were destroyed in the blaze.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Family's Christmas saved after fire

"You try buying everything for a new baby and then you lose it all, on top of the other seven kids that you've got that's everything," Womack said.

As the family continued recovering from the fire, questions remained about what Christmas could look like this year.

"Whatever we could make happen, that's what we're going to make happen," Womack said.

That worry disappeared when the Detroit Fire Department and community partners visited the family's new east side home with a truck full of Christmas gifts.

"To lose everything and then slowly but surely gain everything, it means a lot," Womack said.

This marks the fourth year the Detroit Fire Department has brought Christmas cheer to families in need during the holidays.

"We know people lose everything in these fires, so if we can do anything to make their lives better, to make their lives easier, especially around the holiday season, we're willing to do it," said Chuck Simms, executive fire commissioner with the Detroit Fire Department.

Simms said the effort is driven by donations and brings joy not only to the families impacted but also to the first responders who participate.

"It's just a great thing and nice thing for us to do," Simms said.

With a Christmas tree now surrounded by gifts, Womack's children are definitely looking forward to Christmas.

"It was nice and we appreciate it," one child said.

For Womack, only one challenge remains.

"Now it's making sure everything (gifts) stays closed until Christmas," Womack said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Oakland University students are facing disruptions as heating problems persist across multiple buildings, with a newly discovered third leak impacting repairs.

Since late November, many buildings on campus have had only partial heat as the school works to fix leaks in its hot water pipe system. The repairs were expected to be completed on Thursday, Dec. 11, but the discovery of a third leak this week appears to have delayed that timeline.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Oakland University heating issues persist after third hot water pipe system leak

"It's been pretty stressful these past few weeks," said Nathyn Popoff, an Oakland University student.

Due to his dorm being one of the buildings experiencing reduced heat, Popoff is now commuting from Milford for classes he needs to attend in person.

"It's about a 45-minute drive to an hour, probably more than an hour in this weather now," Popoff said.

The heating problems are affecting not just how students get to campus but also where they need to go for their finals.

"I've been having issues with just my finals. They've been moved around a lot. So it's hard to keep track of where I'm supposed to go for my finals because it's completely different than initially planned," said Benedict Brenner, another Oakland University student.

The university acknowledged the ongoing issues, writing "Many buildings on campus continue to have only partial heat, and modified university operations will remain necessary until further notice."

The school continued, "The community is also advised that the university is executing plans to ensure that the campus is fully open and operational for the Winter 2026 semester."

For students dealing with the disruptions, the situation raises concerns about the future.

"Will this same pipe have any issues in the future? Will we be forced to leave the campus? I don't want that to happen to anyone," Popoff said.

Watch our Nov. 20 coverage when the university was set to close for 10 days for repairs: Oakland University closing for 10 days to repair hot water pipes

"I'm just really worried things aren't going to fixed by next semester," Brenner said.

Despite the ongoing challenges, students remain hopeful that the issues will be resolved soon and campus life will return to normal.

"I hope that this is the end of the problems that the university faces, at least in term of the heating," Popoff said.

Oakland University has assured students that upcoming commencement ceremonies will proceed as planned despite the heating issues. Staff and faculty have also been encouraged to remote work when possible.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Detroit Lions partnered with Meijer to bring Christmas magic to nearly two dozen local children through their annual Shop with a Lion event, giving kids a $250 shopping spree alongside their favorite players and team legends.

The heartwarming event took place at the Meijer store on Grand River Avenue in Detroit, where 20 children from five different youth organizations got to shop with Lions including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, among others.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit Lions and Meijer spread holiday cheer with Shop with a Lion event

"It was awesome, man, to be with the kids, to go shopping with them and the holiday season. For them, this is like their Super Bowl. They get to go out and pick what they want," St. Brown said.

Lorenzo Pearson, who participated through The Yunion, was thrilled with his purchases and the experience.

"So I got the headset for my PS5. I've got a PS5 at home," Lorenzo said. "It was so great. It was so fun with Amon-Ra St. Brown."

The shopping spree brought back childhood memories for the Lions players, who found themselves relating to the kids' excitement and interests.

"I'd come into a store like this, Meijer, and be like where's the electronics? I want to go to the electronics, I want to get a controller," St. Brown said.

For some players, the experience was educational as they learned about current trends in children's entertainment.

"I'm hearing a lot of Roblox, you know, what I'm saying? I ain't ever played Roblox. I don't know what this is. But yeah, it's the same type of stuff, man," Lions player Grant Stuard said.

Jay Wagoner from Meijer's Partnership and Giving Team emphasized that the children's joy made the event special.

"Giving back to the community and seeing the smiles on these kids when they meet their player, heroes just makes it all worth while," Wagoner said.

Brianna Battle, whose daughter participated in the shopping experience, said the day may change her family's Sunday routine.

"I had so much, we had so much fun. Now she's going to be watching football every Sunday," Battle said.

As the children left with their carts full of gifts, Lorenzo summed up the spirit of the day with a simple cheer: "Go Lions."

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Seven student-athletes at Cass Tech High School officially signed with Division I programs on Wednesday during National Early Signing Day, marking the culmination of four years of high school preparation and a lifetime of dedication to their sports.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Cass Tech celebrates seven student-athletes signing with Division 1 programs

The celebration in the school's gymnasium highlighted the achievements of six football players and one soccer player, all of whom earned spots at prestigious universities across the country.

Among the standout signings was Corey Sadler Jr., a Michigan Mr. Football finalist who will play for legendary coach Bill Belichick at the University of North Carolina.

"It's like man, it's happening, so you know I just thank God," Sadler said. "Me just doing what I do, being a competitor, I know I'm in great hands at North Carolina."

Another football player, Emory Jones III, made his commitment official with Dartmouth College of the Ivy League, emphasizing both the athletic and academic opportunities.

"Ivy League, Dartmouth is one of the most winning programs out there," Jones said. "And then in the classroom, they preach success there. So I've had great grades all through high school. So being academically sound, that's important."

The day also marked a historic achievement for Detroit Public Schools Community District. MaKayla Galloway became the first female student in district history to earn a full ride to a Division I soccer program when she signed with Abilene Christian University in Texas.

"My dad put me in it, and ever since then, I fell in love with it," Galloway said about her soccer journey.

When she learned about the historic nature of her achievement, Galloway was surprised by its significance.

"It means the world to me. When I found out from my mom, I was like Wow, I didn't know I had that much of a big impact. I didn't think it mattered that much, but now that I know, it's pretty exciting," Galloway said.

The student-athletes credited their time at Cass Tech for preparing them for the next level. Jones highlighted the school's winning culture as crucial preparation.

"Coming from Cass Tech, we just came off a state championship last year, four-time city champion, going to the playoffs every year, just being prepared for that winning kind of program," Jones said.

Sadler emphasized how the school shaped him beyond athletics.

"Cass Tech pushed me academically and just life-wise," Sadler said.

Principal Lisa Phillips expressed pride in watching her students achieve their dreams.

"When people say what's not happening in the city of Detroit with our young people, we're doing it at Detroit Public Schools Community District, we're getting it done with all of our students," Phillips said.

The other student-athletes signed with programs ranging from SEC to MAC schools, representing the diverse opportunities available to Cass Tech's talented athletes.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A beloved local business in Flat Rock is preparing to close its doors for the final time.

Jim's Butcher Shop on Telegraph Road announced it will shut down at the end of this year after 51 years of serving the community.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Jim's Butcher Shop in Flat Rock set to close after 51 years

Jim Latimer, who grew up as a meat cutter, always dreamed of opening his own store. That dream became reality in 1974 when he purchased what's now known as Jim's Butcher Shop.

"They had just a wish and a work ethic and just said hey let's do it, and that's what his passion was," said Stacy Latimer, Jim's daughter and the shop's manager.

Since opening, Jim's has served countless customers in Flat Rock. On Tuesday, those who entered the butcher shop were cherishing one of their last chances to do so.

"It's just the friendliness, the great cuts of meat, you just don't find this anywhere," said Steve Gerke, a customer at Jim's Butcher Shop.

Stacy Latimer says the decision to close isn't an easy one, but her father's health played a role. Despite the business doing well, trends within the industry are also a factor.

"You want do it on your terms and I think you just know when it's time," Stacy Latimer said. "The reality is small business people love small businesses. People love to talk about small businesses, but they don't always go to them."

Joe Sparks has been coming to the butcher shop for more than 30 years and calls it a community pillar. One memory he holds closely is when the store helped him fundraise for his son's football team.

"It was raining and cold. He said come in here inside my store in the front door and go ahead and sell those tickets," Sparks said.

Another customer thinks back to Jim's supporting their car racing endeavors.

"He actually sponsored my dad first and then he wanted to go on the other race cars," said Scott Apperson, a customer at Jim's Butcher Shop. "He's done a lot for us, you know?"

It's stories like those that Stacy Latimer says makes the past 51 years so special.

"It wasn't just selling meat and selling cookies; it's deeper than that. You can get that anywhere," she said.

As they get ready to close, she thanks the community for all their support.

"Every hard earned dollar anyone has spent here, every post you've shared, it all mattered to us and all made a difference," Stacy Latimer said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Midtown Detroit businesses are creating their own holiday celebration after the beloved Noel Night tradition takes a one-year hiatus.

Watch Demetrios' report in the video player below Midtown Detroit businesses launch Merry Midtown as Noel Night takes year-long break

More than 50 stores, restaurants, and other establishments will participate in the inaugural Merry Midtown celebration on December 6, filling the gap left by Noel Night's temporary absence. The event aims to preserve the holiday spirit that has drawn thousands to the neighborhood each December.

Felicia Patrick, owner of Flo Boutique, has operated in Midtown Detroit for 25 years and considers Noel Night one of her biggest sales days.

"It's fun. Gift giving, people shopping, dancing, networking it's one of the biggest economical nights, yes," Patrick said.

Midtown Detroit Inc. made the decision to pause Noel Night this year, with plans to return in 2026.

"We made the difficult decision to pause Noel Night to really realign the event for all the major stakeholders. The retailers, the cultural institutions, and all the partners across the region," said Ned Staebler, chair of the board for Midtown Detroit Inc. "It's a difficult decision because it's such a beloved event, but we also want to make sure it's filling the needs of today."

When Andy Linn, co-founder of gift shop City Bird, learned Noel Night wouldn't happen, his business started connecting with others nearby about creating an alternative.

"It was only about three weeks ago but immediately we were texting and emailing and had a meeting together after a couple days," Linn said.

Those discussions led to Merry Midtown, which Linn describes as a celebration that will carry forward some of Noel Night's spirit.

"You're definitely going to see Santa coming in from the North Pole, there's going to be carolers, there's going to live music, DJs, tons of pop up markets, all within the businesses and institutions around Midtown," Linn said.

Source Booksellers is among the participating locations. Staff members say the event provides an important opportunity to showcase Midtown's unique retail landscape.

"Our offerings are very different. We have people that make products, businesses that just opened," said Alyson Jones Turner from Source Booksellers. "And there's just different businesses that are downtown, and there are different businesses that may be at the mall."

While Midtown Detroit Inc. works to refine Noel Night for its 2026 return, Staebler expressed support for the business community's initiative.

"Small businesses are the heart of Midtown, really like they are the heart of Detroit and the heart of Michigan, and the people that run them are one of the things that make our neighborhoods so special," Staebler said.

Merry Midtown will run from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on December 6.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Lights, wonder, and sound have returned to the forest of Glenlore Trails. Its Michigans largest illuminated night walk bringing thousands to Commerce Township for a mile of family fun.

Watch the story from Demetrios Sanders below: How Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township brings the holiday season to life

Glenlore Trails has helped families make memories around the holidays since 2020 becoming quite the tradition for some.

And the phrase here is "when the sun goes down, the fun turns up."

Its an eye-popping experience that many anticipate each fall and winter.

"When we hear people say "Yeah this is part of our holiday experience, we look forward to it every year," it makes all of the hard work totally worth it," said Chanel Schoeneberger, co-founder of Glenlore Trails.

Schoeneberger says the idea was birthed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her familys business, Bluewater Technologies, searched for new ways to keep themselves busy.

"Everything was shut down, right? So we had to pivot," she said.

Thats when they decided to transform a wooded trail at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township into an immersive family experience filled with plenty of sound and all the lights you can imagine.

"Hundreds of thousands. Its a one-mile trail, so everything from LEDs to the light tubes," said Schoeneberger.

It also features animatronics and interactive technologyunlocking more of what the trail has to offer.

"Each activation that you interact with, you can have a magic wand, and that will trigger some additional animation throughout the woods. So, were always trying to create something new for the experience," she said.

There are two different versions of Glenlore Trails you can find throughout the year: the Witching Hour surrounding Halloween, and the current one, Aurora, which runs through the winter holiday season.

"It goes through a little bit of a spooky and fun experience for Halloween to that magical element that we all hope for Christmas," she said.

And when asked what makes Aurora so special, Schoenberger says its the team that brings it to life.

"Our people, they make this what it is," she said.

If you want to check out the holiday night walk for yourself, it continues Thursdays through Sundays through December 28.

To learn more, click here.

Volunteers stepped up to help honor service members at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly after the official Veterans Day ceremony was canceled due to a government shutdown.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Volunteers honor fallen veterans at Great Lakes National Cemetery

Cindi Foster was among the volunteers placing flags next to headstones on Tuesday, reflecting on her father's years of service.

"He was an aviation mechanic during the Vietnam era, so he really enjoyed it," Foster said.

Foster emphasized the importance of remembering those who served.

"If we don't learn from our history or appreciate what people have done for us to get us to this point, you're losing a lot," Foster said.

The volunteer effort was organized by non-profit The Heroes Operation after learning that normal ceremonies at the cemetery wouldn't proceed because of the government shutdown.

"When we heard it wasn't going to happen, we had to jump into action and do something," said Eric Hannan, board member with The Heroes Operation.

In just a few days, the organization ordered around 17,000 American flags. The community showed overwhelming support, with upwards of 250 people arriving on Veterans Day to place them.

"We had some people drive as far as Tennessee that heard about the story over the weekend and just wanted to travel up here and be a part of it," Hannan said.

Charlotte O'Malley, who has relatives and friends buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery, said it meant a lot to help recognize them.

"As you're growing up, you don't realize what they went through, but when you get older, my age, you realize," O'Malley said.

The flag placement also served as a way for volunteers to express gratitude for veterans' service.

"Sacrifices that they made are just really evident when you're out here," said volunteer Allen Porter.

Hannan encouraged others to show appreciation for veterans in both big and small ways.

"You can do as much as supporting or shaking someone's hand; it means a lot to them," Hannan said.

The community is also encouraged to visit Great Lakes National Cemetery if they haven't done so.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The United States Marine Corps marked its 250th anniversary Monday, with veterans and active-duty Marines reflecting on centuries of service and the unbreakable bonds.

The Marine Corps League Downriver Detachment hosted an all-day celebration in Lincoln Park to honor the milestone, bringing together Marines from different generations to share stories and commemorate their shared heritage.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Local Marines reflect on service on the 250th anniversary of the corps

"You put that EGA on, you've got friends for life and you've got guys that'll back you up no matter what," said Greg Meyring, commandant with Downriver Marines Corps Detachment.

Among the dozens in attendance was Donald St. Amant, who served from 1966 to 1972, working with scout dogs in Vietnam.

"We walked point for the grunts. It's kind of a special job," St. Amant said.

For St. Amant, the brotherhood that defines the Marines has remained constant throughout the Corps' 250-year history.

"It starts when you step on the yellow footsteps in bootcamp and once you're in, it's a lifetime. So once a Marine, always a Marine," St. Amant said.

Gerry Whitcomb joined the Marines in 1990 after a life-changing encounter with recruiters following her father's death.

"The Marine Corps recruiter showed up in dress blues and roses, and it just took my breath away and I thought that's what I want to be. I want to present myself like that, I want to be the best," Whitcomb said.

Whitcomb, who worked in intelligence while on active duty, expressed excitement about the expanded opportunities now available to women in the Corps.

"Back when I went in, you couldn't be a pilot. Now we have female Marine pilots. I mean, it's grown so much," Whitcomb said.

Tyler Saris, who served in the 2010s, credits the Marines with teaching him valuable life lessons that continue to guide him.

"Do the right thing when nobody's watching, and I carried that my whole life. My father instilled it in me when I was a kid, but the Marine Corps really drilled it into you in bootcamp and when you got outside," Saris said.

Saris said he still misses the service and values the opportunity to connect with fellow Marines from different eras.

"I'm a big history buff, so I love listening to their experiences, how they did in Vietnam, World War II, Korea. No matter what generation we're from, we're all the same," Saris said.

Looking toward the future, Marines expressed confidence in the Corps' continued legacy.

"Hopefully, somebody will be standing here saying the same thing I'm saying. The guys before us set the standard; the guys coming up are going to set the standard," Meyring said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A Macomb County nonprofit is in serious need of donations to continue keeping people out of the cold this winter.

WAVE Project has served people in need throughout metro Detroit since 2018.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Wave Project seeks urgent funding to continue serving hundreds experiencing homelessness

The organization operates an overnight winter shelter at Trinity Christian Community Center in Warren, providing a crucial lifeline for hundreds experiencing homelessness.

"There are literally hundreds of people in our communities, not just Wayne County but Macomb County and Oakland County, experiencing some form of homelessness," said Todd Gordon, co-founder and executive director of WAVE Project. "They're folks that have nowhere to go and unfortunately in a lot of communities, there aren't a lot of resources. So literally we'll have a line at our door at like 6 p.m. some nights."

Last winter, WAVE Project provided more than 6,300 stays at the shelter, giving people comfort and hot meals they may not find elsewhere. The organization offers more than just a place to sleep.

"A lot of people don't want to talk to them or be around them and what they need is somebody to give them a hug, to sit down and have dinner with them," said Sheila Chauvin, project manager for the Macomb County Winter Shelter.

With some of their partners unable to contribute as they have before, the shelter is in need of assistance to keep their mission going.

"Well, we're going to be very heartbroken if we can't be open, along with all the people that need us," Chauvin said.

Starting at the end of December, the goal is to keep the shelter open seven days a week for 12 weeks. To make this possible, WAVE Project is hoping to raise $68,000 over 23 days.

"Our budget consists of having security on site to make sure volunteers, staff members and guests are safe. We have to pay for the utilities in this old building. People wouldn't believe what it actually costs to keep this place warm," Gordon said.

Without the funding, it could alter how long the shelter will stay open.

"If we have $41,000, we're going to operate for a month. We're going to do it as best we can," Gordon said.

Whether it's $10 or thousands, every penny counts toward keeping the shelter operational.

"It is very important to us and all the people in our community that are unhoused that they have somewhere to go," Chauvin said.

WAVE Project also offers mobile showers and distributes clothing to individuals who need assistance.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The Waterford Corsairs youth football league is scrambling to find a new practice facility after learning their current home at the Waterford Recreation Center will soon be sold.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Waterford youth football league searches for new home as recreation center faces closure

The organization, which has served the community since 1965, provides football and cheerleading opportunities for children ages 5 to 13. The league currently uses the field outside the Waterford Recreation Center for practices, but that will change when the facility closes at the end of the year.

"It's been a joy to coach some of these kids from ages 5 to 13. You develop a lot of relationships," said Rickey Anthony, head football coach with the Waterford Corsairs.

The recreation center closure is part of a cost-cutting measure by Waterford Township.

Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta said the center is in poor condition, and moving programming elsewhere will help reduce financial burdens while they wait for a new community center to be built.

"We pay a lot of money for utilities, maintenance, janitorial services. So, we're just basically cutting our costs and we can still do everything at the Leggett facility," Bartolotta said.

The township also plans to sell the recreation center property, with buyers already expressing interest.

"I'm talking with a local business in Waterford Township; I want to keep them here. And then a developer; I don't know what they want to do with it. That property is zoned light industrial," Bartolotta said.

For the Corsairs, this means finding a new practice location a challenge that has proven difficult.

"Waterford has kind of become a concrete jungle," Waterford Corsairs President Dan Bishop said.

The league serves hundreds of families during football season. Bishop said on a typical weekday during their season, roughly 300 to 500 people use the field, including kids, parents and siblings.

Despite searching throughout the community, the Corsairs haven't found a suitable replacement facility. Bartolotta said the team can continue using the current field until the township sells the property, but after that, permission would depend on the new owner.

"You know, we really want to work with the football team, but there's only so much you can do," Bartolotta said.

The uncertainty raises concerns about the future of youth football in Waterford.

"It could be detrimental to football in Waterford," Bishop said.

Coaches emphasize the importance of continuing to provide opportunities for local children.

"It's literally giving the kids a spot to come be themselves, have something to build off of in life," Anthony said.

The Corsairs are asking the community for help and say they're open to all ideas for green spaces where they can practice and play.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.