Fire Survivor Returns to Help Pontiac Families

Four years after a fire destroyed her family’s home, Kamisha Williams-Osborn is helping other families find support at Christmas in November, a free shopping event at Pontiac Academy for Excellence. She first attended as someone in need; this is her second year volunteering.

Williams-Osborn lost nearly everything in the March 14, 2021, fire and was raising seven children. When her family attended the event the following year, they were able to pick up toys for the children and household and cleaning supplies. She has said the experience helped her begin rebuilding.

The Ascend Foundation organizes the event with Amazon. Now in its fifth year, it uses a ticket system: attendees ages 10 and older receive tickets to exchange for items. Organizers expect to serve about 6,000 people this year and say there will be a reserve of goods available.

Amazon is contributing nearly $3 million in products this year, including clothing, tools, household supplies, electronics and toys. The company has donated more than $10 million in goods since the program began. The event has grown from serving about 2,000 Pontiac residents to reaching more than 17,000 people throughout the Midwest, and $7 million worth of essential goods have been provided so far.

The event is open to anyone in need, not only Pontiac residents, and runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on November 8. Shopping is first come, first served. Organizers say the giveaway is intended to ease some of the pressure on families facing higher grocery and utility costs during the holiday season.