The 2012 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge is dedicated in honor of Eleanor M. Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE.

With a fierce passion for helping others, Eleanor Josaitis impacted the lives of thousands of Detroiters in need. Keeping that spirit alive and honoring her remarkable work, Art Van Furniture is partnering with Focus: HOPE in the 2012 Launch of Art Van Charity Challenge. READ MORE ABOUT ELEANOR M. JOSAITIS AND HER WORK WITH FOCUS: HOPE >

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Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan

Clothing needy children in school districts in Southeastern Michigan involves more of our members than other program of service because it is a “hands-on” program that makes such a difference to the recipients.

Our members act as personal shoppers for children identified by their schools as they shop in our “store” that has been set up in the school gymnasium. As the children select their new school clothing which fill a duffel bag, the delight and appreciation on their faces is evident. Many have never shopped for new clothing before. The words of a child describing this first-time experience say it all: “I think I must be in heaven”.

Through the generosity of Art Van, the grant we received enabled us to increase the number of children we clothed this year from 1440 to 1702, serving seven instead of five school districts. In these challenging economic times, thank you for helping us help so many others.

-Carol Svatora, President, May 2009 – May 2010

Assistance League Photo

  • Dore

    Helping with clothing for children so they can be dressed to go to school is essential.  Assistance League is all about making life bearable for those who are involved in accidents with their Buddy Bears and their weekend food for children.  A lot of love from its membership goes into helping others meet their needs.