Thanks to about 140 students at Oxford High School, nearly 500 toys were distributed to inner-city children in Detroit through the Ministers United organization this past Christmas.
Started by Detroit Pastor Calvin Glass in 2003, Ministers United’s mission is to assist non-profit organizations with their outreach programs.
The group is comprised of Lord of Lords Christian Church, Word Restoration Ministries, King of Kings Missionary Baptist Church, Life Changes Church, New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, Promise Land Church, Tabernacle of Faith Church and the Greater Apostolic Church in Detroit.
The toys were donated to children in Detroit ages 1-17 and came from students in OHS teacher Ray Sutherland’s human anatomy and physiology and independent study classes, as well as members of the cross country team.
Sutherland said he’s been working together with Ministers United for the last five years, but has had his students help with similar charities for the last 15 years. Oxford remains the main contributor to the Ministers United Christmas toy drive.
‘It’s our way of trying to give back,? he said.
During the last day of school before Christmas break, Sutherland had his students wrap all of the presents for the children.
He said it’s amazing to see how much the students ‘enjoy? helping in this way.
Pastor Glass? two daughters attended Oxford schools a while back, and said he wanted to thank the Oxford students for their ‘generosity.?
‘We’re looking forward to more connections with Oxford as long as we can,? he said. ‘We really want to keep it going.?