Milford woman turns porch into free Christmas shop for those in need
FOX 2 – “It’s really hard on the kids, they deserve a Christmas or a vacation,” Carley Wissner said. “They deserve a break and a little fun. I hope we can give them that.”
Carley Williams and her husband, both nurses, see the challenges families face every day. A few weeks ago, Carley was shopping for the holidays for her family and decided to pick up a few more gifts to give away.
Milford woman turns front porch into free holiday store for families in need
Each day, Carley opens her front porch to the public, who are invited to choose a few gifts to give for Christmas. One by one, people showed up, taking what they needed and giving what they could. So Carley could go out and buy even more for families in need.
She posted the articles on her community’s Facebook page.
“I had an overwhelming response that broke my heart, that there are so many people in need in the community,” she said. “I just felt like I had to do more. I bought more gifts, put a table on my porch and decided to open a little shop.”
Using her Milford home at 3186 Duana Drive, Carley set up The Front Porch Christmas Shop. A simple Facebook post has now turned into a charity movement.
Each day, Carley opens her front porch to the public, who are invited to choose a few gifts to give for Christmas. One by one, people showed up, taking what they needed and giving what they could. So Carley could go out and buy even more for families in need.
“I am bowled over by the response,” she said. “I didn’t expect something that I thought would have started so simply that would evolve into this.”
“It’s a tough year – it’s touching, it means a lot to me,” said Meichelle Hoyt.
Hoyt, from Commerce Township, and Dawn Caldwell from White Lake, came to pick out a few things for the kids who might not have spent Christmas without Carley.
“Beautiful family who are filled with love in their hearts and who have put together this giving, giving tree in the house,” Caldwell said.
As the news spread on social media, donations started to increase. For Carley, who grew up there, it fills her heart to know that children will now have something to smile about this holiday season.
“This community has given me so much more than I could ever give it. I am thrilled to give back,” she said.
The Front Porch Christmas Shop is always open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for at least one more week or until released. It’s free. Carley says donations are welcome but not expected.
