Carpenters Union Builds a Better Christmas for Local Students

myFOXdetroit.com - Santa made a special trip to a Detroit school and brought a very special present.

He was joined by some special elves from the Michigan Carpenters Union.

Union members have been making sure students at Spain Dual School have had a Merry Christmas for the past 15 years.

This year, the donations jumped $10,000.

There was plenty of Christmas cheer when Santa arrived this morning. The membership of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters brightens the lives of around 900 students every year through the carpenters’ Christmas for Kids program.

“It’s absolutely amazing. About 15 years ago, we met the people here at Spain School, and there was an immediate need, you know, for some help here at the school,” said union spokesman Mike Jackson.

The event is so uplifting, local dignitaries like Detroit Mayor Dave Bing take time from their schedules to take it all in. “A lot of these kids … were born into a tough situation, and a lot of parents aren’t working or they’ve got a job, not making enough money to support their families.”

The mayor says anything that can be done should be done to make sure kids in those families have Christmas gifts.

To celebrate 15 years with the school, the union presented a $10,000 check to the school for its clothing closet, food pantry and to help update technology.

Principal Ronald Anderson was elated. “We are so happy about it and just as excited as we can be, just to know that they have thought of us.”