Giving Tuesday $10,000 Match Program

By Tom Lang

Giving Tuesday Dec. 1 was created to promote the joy of philanthropy and much-needed support of charitable organizations far and wide.

The good people at Masco Corp. are helping the non-profit Michigan Freedom Center with a Matching Gift program this first week of December. Masco will match any such gifts the entire first week of December, up to $10,000.

When any Veteran or active-duty military person visits the MI Freedom Center at either terminal at Detroit Metro Airport – also known as the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center – they get the chance to unwind in a comfortable environment in the airport, as good or better than first-class. It’s a small way supporters can say thank you to those who have served us – and through the financial support of the general public, the Freedom Center volunteers can be your face and hands at giving service to the guests who first served us. The MI Freedom Center is a service-oriented daily reminder that our freedom isn't free.

“The Freedom Center gives us that moment of decompression…because you can come home a wreck,” said Joe Munoz, a combat Veteran from Michigan. “You know you’re in a safe place, a quiet place, a respectful place. The volunteers are amazing… they have a sense like they know (what to do) to make our couple of hours at the Freedom Center more relaxing and a benefit to us. That’s what I love about the Freedom Center. We’re so grateful we have the opportunity to have it at the airport.”

Checks dated any day this week can be mail to:

Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center

755 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 2020

Troy, MI 48084

Online donations accepted at: www.mifreedomcenter.org/donate.