Hundreds of volunteers gathered at Oakland County International Airport to sort and pack nearly 19,000 personalized gifts for children in foster care across Michigan as part of Operation Good Cheer, a massive holiday effort that ensures every child feels remembered this season.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Volunteers pack gifts for Michigan foster children at Oakland County airport

About 800 volunteers showed up for the event, packing, sorting and loading gifts that will be flown to 32 airports and driven by truck to another 17 locations throughout the state. The operation relies on hundreds of volunteers and dozens of pilots to deliver Christmas joy to thousands of Michigan children.

"Growing up, one of my favorite memories was having presents under the Christmas tree, opening them with my parents, and I personally can't imagine what it would be like waking up on Christmas morning and not having anything to open up," said Ethan Samuel, flight coordinator for Operation Good Cheer 2025.

For many volunteers like Patrick Young, the event has become an annual tradition and a chance to give back in a hands-on way.

"My team does it every year and it's something that I look forward to every year," Young said. "It's really fun to actually just be with them doing the stuff, go to lunch after and doing community help in the process."

"We're just a small part of what all of this is and we don't even see the impact, but it's really cool to know that you're contributing to something like this."

For others like volunteer Zachary Cumper, the effort is about making sure every child feels the joy they once experienced themselves.

"This is just a small thing to do to really give back to people who maybe didn't get the opportunity that I did growing up," Cumper said.

While volunteers may never see the reactions on the other end, the impact still resonates with those involved.

"There's so many people volunteering their time, effort and support to make this happen," Samuel said.

"It makes me excited knowing that people are going to get that on Christmas Day where they maybe wouldn't have before," Cumper said.

The statewide network comes together each year to make Christmas morning a little brighter for thousands of Michigan children in foster care.

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In downtown Holly, the holidays come to life in true Dickens fashion. Victorian carolers, costumed characters and local shops transform the village into a scene from the 1800s, drawing families back year after year.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Holly's Dickens Festival celebrates 52 years of spreading holiday cheer

The Village of Holly's Dickens Festival is celebrating its 52nd year and is now known as the longest-running Dickens-themed event in the entire country. This weekend, the streets will be filled with holiday traditions you won't find anywhere else.

Linda Stouffer, a Dickens Festival Board member, is one of the organizers.

"We have carolers that go throughout town and they actually go into the different shops and they sing and we will have a petting farm. We have the sledding hill. We have Tiny Tim's tent for the Santa and the kids," Stouffer said.

The event is put on completely through volunteers, donors and local businesses who have kept this tradition alive for more than 50 years.

"It is the longest running one of the United States, so it's huge, and everybody kind of gets into the spirit," Stouffer said.

From top hats to wool capes, many festival-goers come fully dressed for the part.

"They get dressed up and they walk around town just in their top hats and their capes and so forth and everybody just loves it," Stouffer said.

The tradition not only brings history to life, but it also gives the town's small businesses, like Holly Antiques and Creative Fashions, a much-needed boost this time of year.

"Triples to almost quadruples the amount of traffic that we would normally get on a weekend and for us that's very, very vital," said Robbin Yelverton, owner of Holly Antiques and Creative Fashions.

The festival itself began with just three local retailers hoping to draw shoppers into town. Five decades later, their idea has turned into a regional holiday destination.

Locals like Yelverton say there's something for every age.

"The strolling carolers, carriage rides, all of the various things that we do. There really is something for everyone," Yelverton said.

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A Rochester bakery owner who gained national attention for creating a life-sized cake of Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown is now competing on a Food Network baking show centered around the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Watch Meghan's full piece in the video player below: Rochester bakery owner competes on Food Network's Harry Potter baking show after viral Lions cake

Heather Tocco, owner of The Home Bakery in downtown Rochester, was selected to compete on "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" after the Food Network reached out asking her to audition. The show, which is currently airing, features bakers competing on actual Harry Potter movie sets in London.

"We were actually in London doing it on the Harry Potter sets in the Grand Hall, and I still get goosebumps thinking about that I even had the opportunity to do it," Tocco said.

The opportunity came about a year after Tocco's bakery made waves with its life-sized Amon-Ra St. Brown cake display, which brought her national recognition. Since then, she has continued building her reputation with elaborate, fully-edible window displays.

Related Story: Home Bakery owner grateful for support surrounding Amon-Ra St. Brown cake The Home Bakery owner grateful for support surrounding Amon-Ra St. Brown cake

"I started an in-home business that grew to the point where I could purchase this business," Tocco said.

This holiday season, Tocco is celebrating her Food Network appearance by creating a Harry Potter-themed Christmas window display at her bakery. The fully-edible display showcases the wizarding world, reflecting her passion for the franchise.

"Harry Potter, that universe is right up my alley," Tocco said. "Being a huge Harry Potter fan, why not celebrate it in our Christmas window this year as well."

The Home Bakery has become well known in the Rochester community for its life-sized displays, having created everything from Frozen characters to Beauty and the Beast scenes, in addition to the famous Lions player cake.

"It's so fun to be able to see people's faces, seeing us do what we do, and really being able to show off on the talents," Tocco said. "It brings me so much joy that we're a part of other people's memories."

Viewers can watch Tocco compete on "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" on the Food Network and HBO Max.

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.

Livonia's new $28 million senior community center officially opened its doors, providing a much-needed hub for the city's growing older adult population. The facility brings dining, recreation and support services under one roof as Livonia projects a 14.6% increase in residents over 65.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Livonia opens $28 million senior center as older adult population grows

The center offers card games, fitness classes, hot meals and numerous opportunities for social connection. For many seniors who visited on opening day, the facility represents more than just a building it's a place to belong.

"We need some place to be with people like I'm alone and it's a long day, and so now if I can come over here and meet some people and engage in some activities," Audrey Lavery said.

The facility addresses a critical need for community connection among older adults. Tom Berry, another Livonia senior, appreciates both the activities and the cost.

"We can come here and hang out, play ping pong and many things to do at the senior center. It doesn't cost us a dime," Berry said.

Mayor Maureen Miller-Brosnan emphasized the center's role in improving senior wellness through accessible, high-quality facilities and programming.

"If you really wanted to improve the wellness of your seniors, you were going to give them easier access to a top-notch facility where they can go and work out and exercise and take advantage of the classes that we have," Miller-Brosnan said.

The center features various activities from mahjong to coffee groups, helping combat social isolation. Jun Garcia, who enjoys the mahjong games, explained the importance of social interaction.

"If I'm home alone, then I can't communicate with anybody. So I'm here and (with) people and (playing) mahjong (with) people. I love it," Garcia said.

Carolyn Ripper noted how the center encourages seniors to become more socially engaged.

"I think seniors have a tendency not to get involved, and this helps them get out of that shell," Ripper said.

The facility includes a dining room area, fitness spaces and recreational areas designed with senior accessibility in mind. Sam Shan emphasized the importance of such facilities for building community connections.

"I think a senior center is very important, especially (at) this time for us. (We) need communication. We need to know each other, make friends," Shan said.

While finishing touches continue on the exterior, the interior is fully operational and welcoming seniors seeking active engagement and social connection in their community.

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 staggering number of families in Oakland County are facing hunger and homelessness, but a groundbreaking ceremony in Pontiac brought hope for change. Lighthouse, a local nonprofit organization, broke ground on a $40 million campus designed to dramatically expand shelter, food access, and economic support for families in crisis.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: $40M Lighthouse campus breaks ground in Pontiac to help homeless families

The new facility will span two full city blocks, creating what organizers call a "one-stop shop" for families facing crisis. The comprehensive campus will include expanded emergency shelter for families, a social supermarket where the community can shop for free, an economic opportunity center, a community cafe, and event space.

"Expanded emergency shelter for families, a social supermarket where the community can shop for free for the food that they need, an economic opportunity center, a community cafe, and event space, and so much more," said Jenny Poma, Chief Operating Officer at Lighthouse.

The campus aims to remove barriers by bringing multiple services under one roof. From food access and childcare to housing and job support, the facility will connect people with comprehensive resources.

"It's about connecting people with job opportunities. It's about connecting people with the healthcare that they need. It's connecting people and solving their food insecurity crisis," said Senator Jeremy Moss of the 7th District.

County leaders say the need for these services continues to grow. Khadija Walker-Fobbs, Officer of Neighborhood and Housing for Oakland County, noted that official counts may not capture the full scope of homelessness in the area.

"You know, a lot of times we'll say about 1,200, 1,300 people are unhoused, but that's just those who are physically counted. I think the need is probably much greater than that," Walker-Fobbs said.

Currently, Lighthouse operates with just 30 emergency beds, forcing the organization to regularly turn people away due to lack of capacity.

"I don't think there's ever been a time where we haven't, unfortunately, had to turn people away from emergency shelter due to lack of capacity," said Ryan Hertz, president and CEO of Lighthouse.

The new campus will expand capacity to 150 beds and provide families with private, apartment-style spaces during their stay.

"They'll each have their own apartment. They'll be able to have the privacy in their moment of stress to focus on a more stable future," Hertz said.

With $32 million of the $40 million already raised, county leaders view this project as more than just beds and buildings. The facility represents a safe place for families to land and get back on their feet.

"Families who are in crisis do have a viable, safe option where they are getting connected to supportive services and can get stabilized, and the children can get to school, and they can have all that they need," Walker-Fobbs said.

Construction is expected to wrap up in spring of 2027.

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.

When the doors close and the night sets in, help isn't always easy to find for people experiencing homelessness in Oakland County. But a new program is changing that with the Safe Tonight Shelter Fund.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: New initiative in Pontiac is helping people experiencing homelessness

The idea for the program was born from a serious need in the community a safe and warm place for people to sleep during the coldest months of the year.

"Called me one Sunday to ask me if we could open up our facilities to help out in this emergency. And of course, how can we turn people down like that?" Bishop Theresa Lee said.

Launched by Oakland County's Task Force on Poverty and Homelessness and several community partners, the program connects people in crisis to after-hours shelter spaces, like New Birth International Church in Pontiac.

Lee is the senior pastor at New Birth International Church. She says when the call came, the church answered because messy action is better than no action at all.

"When God gave us this church, it's a church without walls. We are unlimited. We go beyond these walls and we have done plenty of community work, this is just part of what we've done," Lee said.

That action could be life-saving. Steve Norris of the Recovery Collective says community partners are determined to prevent tragedies from last winter.

"We were really concerned with the frigid temps from last year that people were going to freeze to death, and unfortunately, 4 people did," Norris said. "When there's a need, you quickly and intuitively understand what needs to be done to accomplish it."

Khadija Walker-Fobbs, an Oakland County housing officer, says they're partnering with local churches and community groups, like New Birth International, to make sure everyone has a warm place to sleep at night.

"It's just a way the community comes together, the village comes together to make sure we're providing some support for families who are in need this winter season," Walker-Fobbs said.

Inside the warming center, the mission is simple: a safe place, a warm meal, and a chance to start over.

"We'll have a nice warm bed for them, nice warm food, make sure they eat!" Charlotte Jones said.

Jones is the Director of the warming center at New Birth International Church. She says beyond providing immediate shelter, the program offers a path forward.

"Once they get settled, then we will go into the office and I will speak with them to find out 'what is it that you want?'" Jones said.

The after-hours shelter at New Birth International Church will be opening on December 1.

If you or someone you know is in need of emergency shelter in Oakland County, click here.

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A program that provides direct cash payments to pregnant women and new parents is expanding to six Wayne County communities, offering financial relief during one of life's most expensive periods.

The Rx Kids program, founded by pediatrician Dr. Mona Hanna in Flint, provides $1,500 to eligible mothers during pregnancy and $500 each month for the first six months of their baby's life no strings attached.

"It is the most expensive time in the life course. Mom's income drops, expenses rise. There's not a lot of support in this window, so Rx Kids is just helping in this really brief window," Hanna said.

For first-time mom Nyah Phillips, this summer brought both joy and uncertainty when she discovered her pregnancy while facing job loss.

"For things outside of my control, I end up losing my job and I couldn't pay rent or anything for almost the whole summer and the summer is also when I found out when I was pregnant," Phillips said.

The program helps cover essentials like food, diapers and childcare during a critical period for families.

Related Story: Pontiac program offering cash to pregnant moms, newborns Pontiac program offering cash to pregnant moms, newborns

Desarae Embry, who is pregnant with her third baby, said the expansion means peace of mind for her family.

"That's gonna be a lot different for me to have that extra support for the recurring expenses that comes with having another baby," Embry said.

"It takes away that extra pressure of thinking about what if this happens, what if that happens? I don't have to worry," she said.

The Rx Kids program received a significant financial boost from state lawmakers, who approved $250 million in the 2025-2026 state budget to increase funds for Michigan moms and babies in need.

"We ensure that mamas can get the prenatal care. They can get the care that they need. They have adequate nutrition and that leads to healthier babies," Hanna said.

The Wayne County expansion includes River Rouge, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Inkster, Melvindale and Dearborn, helping hundreds more families start strong.

"It's genuinely for the betterment of moms and their babies," Embry 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.