Butterfly Collective holds Adopt-a-Family benefit

METRO DETROIT — Providing for kids at Christmas is already difficult, especially in the wake of leaving an abusive situation. The Butterfly Collective aims to lighten some of that burden with its Adopt-a-Family program.

Butterfly Collective President Heidi McQuade said the program has been running for five years, predating the organization’s official nonprofit status in 2020. The aim of the program is to provide Christmas gifts and essentials for families that have been impacted by abuse.

Survivors who work with the nonprofit go through an application process, which asks them to for things they want, things they need and useful household items. Those who sponsor a family will provide the items for the family based on the list.

“That way they’re actually getting things they want and need versus just general items,” McQuade said.

Sponsors are able to select how large of a family they’re able to sponsor. Family sponsors must be able to attend the Dec. 22 brunch event. McQuade said the program is unique because of the personal connection it can foster.

“We offer more than just the gift-giving portion,” she said. “The sponsors and families are brought together for a brunch the Sunday before Christmas where they actually exchange the gifts and get to know one another while they’re at the event.”

This will be the first year kids will have an area set up so they can do some Christmas shopping for their guardians.

McQuade said that oftentimes those leaving abusive situations leave all their possessions behind and don’t have the money to replace these items. The organization will work to provide essential items, through programs like Adopt-a-Family, but will also assist with things like making a security deposit for an apartment, funding for utilities, minor car repairs, transportation for appointments, legal aid, counseling and funding for a hotel room in extreme cases.

“Most of them walk away from their abuser with nothing,” she said.

McQuade said the organization likes to potentially see an increase in families served. Last year, there were 10 families. This year, the goal is 12 families. Sponsors often come back to the program.

“Most of the time our sponsors are recurring every year,” McQuade said.

Items provided for families in the past have included clothing items, toiletries and small appliances. She provided one example of a mom who didn’t have a bed to sleep on.

“We had a mom last year who was sleeping on an air mattress in her living room because she didn’t have enough space or money to afford a bed,” McQuade said. “Our sponsor went and bought her a bed. We took it to her and set it up.”

Kids can also put in their requests for Santa on the list. The man in the red suit does make an appearance at the brunch event.

Volunteers are key to the event going off without a hitch, according to McQuade. Those interested, who aren’t able to sponsor a family, can still help out at the brunch event. Monetary donations for the brunch and assistance with the brunch centerpieces are accepted. There’s also an Amazon wish list with items available to purchase for kids activities at the event. Businesses are able to contribute to the program.

The brunch will be held at the Mirage Banquet Hall, 16980 18 Mile Road, in Clinton Township. The nonprofit is seeking sponsors right up until the brunch. To sign up, email sponsorships@thebutterflycollective.org or contact office@thebutterflycollective.org for more information.