George James

Volunteers in Michigan are gearing up for Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week from November 17th to the 24th. Local drop-off sites will welcome shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children facing poverty, war, and disease. Since ’93, the program has delivered over 232 million boxes worldwide. Families and groups can pack a box, donate $10 online to track its journey, and help share hope and the message of Jesus with kids around the globe. Drop-off locations and hours are searchable online by city or ZIP code.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is set to get greener thanks to new grant funding from the Michigan DNR, DTE Energy Foundation, and ReLeaf Michigan. The city, along with the Port Huron Housing Commission and St. Clair County, will share part of $100,000 to plant trees in public spaces next year. The effort aims to boost the local tree canopy, improve air quality, and strengthen neighborhoods through sustainable landscaping. Statewide, about 750 trees will be planted across 25 Michigan communities as part of the ongoing Urban and Community Forestry program.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

State regulators have shut down a prominent St. Clair County car dealership after finding repeated violations involving the sale of vehicles. The Michigan Department of State has suspended the license of LaFontaine Chevrolet Buick GMC of St. Clair on King Road in China Township, citing what it calls imminent harm to the public.

According to the state, investigators discovered more than two dozen cases in which the dealership sold used vehicles as new. Some vehicles reportedly had thousands of miles on them including one with around six thousand miles. The department says this happened even after the dealership had already been warned, fined, placed on probation, and given training on the rules.

As a result, the dealership is barred from doing business while the suspension is in place. State officials say the action protects consumers who believed they were buying new vehicles.

Consumers with concerns are encouraged to contact the state complaint line at 844-372-8356.

We have contacted LaFontaine for comment. So far, they have not responded.

With federal food aid halted by the government shutdown, Port Huron stepped up to make sure no family went hungry. The city partnered with local donors, nonprofits, and the YMCA to distribute five truckloads of food Monday morning at the YMCA on Third Street. Each load fed up to 500 families. Mid-City Nutrition also served 5,000 free hot meals to help seniors, children, and families in need. City leaders said it was a true community effort to care for neighbors during tough times.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

This month, 13 local police departments are going all in for a good cause with the 13th Annual Pigs 4 Wigs campaign. Officers from Hazel Park, Fraser, Macomb County, Sterling Heights, and many more, are raising money by skipping shaves, sporting earrings, and painting nails. All funds go to Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, a local nonprofit providing free wigs and support for kids ages 3 to 18 facing cancer, alopecia, and other medical conditions. Over 22 years, Maggie’s Wigs has helped more than 5,600 children statewide.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet