Detroit, MI
Detroit VA and Pistons partner to give veterans coats on 'World Kindness Day'
Detroit Pistons, VA partner to give coats to veterans before winter time
The non-profit ‘Empowerment Plan’ gave out 100 of their ‘Empwr’ coats, geared towards combating homelessness.
DETROIT (FOX 2) – They spent years, some made it their career, risking it all to protect our country. On Wednesday, other people stepped up to serve veterans in their time of need.
It is all made possible through a partnership, providing veterans with special coats and more, and the special event just so happens to fall on World Kindness Day.
A little kindness can go a long way.
“We saved lives, that’s all we did was save lives. I thank god I was in the army,” said US Army Veteran Daniel Lennon.
Veterans flocked to the Detroit VA Hospital on Wednesday to pick up a coat built to handle the cold winter months ahead.
“I think, unfortunately, we have a lot of veterans who sleep on the street, fought for our country, yet they came back to America, and they have nowhere to go, and they don’t have any clothes on their backs, and they have to come here to get a coat for the winter,” said US Navy Veteran Latuaska Carr.
The non-profit ‘Empowerment Plan’ gave out 100 of their ‘Empwr’ coats, geared towards combating homelessness.
“So what’s unfortunate is that our veterans make up a high population or high percentage of the un-housed population, and we want to help them as much as we can in any way we can,” said plan director Lauren Knill. “What’s really wonderful is our coat is disability accessible and so our veterans who are disabled who may be in a wheelchair, our coat features Velcro and other features that can help them get in and out of it much easier. And if they are in a wheelchair, they can still slide that bag over their feet and toes.”
‘Empowerment Plan’ teamed up with the Detroit VA and the Detroit Pistons to dress vets for the winter ahead.
They said this mission is all about raising homelessness awareness.
“Unfortunately, working in the homeless program, we see a lot of frostbite, a lot of subzero temperatures and so making sure these coats are appropriate for them to have,” said Chief of the Veterans Community Resource and Referral Center Beth Baker Callen. “They are having lunch today, they’re enjoying themselves. Different t-shirt giveaways, pendant giveaways. Mainly, we want to make sure that our veterans in those categories are supported.”
That strong support is exactly what veterans felt, as they picked up a warm new coat and a bite to eat.
“I’m very appreciative, very appreciative,” said US Army Veteran James Holden. “Anything that they do for us veterans, I appreciate it.”
The Detroit Pistons have put Isaiah Stewart on the trade block with multiple offers swirling around the ever-changing rumor mill.
Several teams would benefit from having Stewart, who averaged 10 points, five rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season, on a solid 55% from the floor. However, despite linking up well with Jalen Duren, Stewart earning a total of $30 million over the next two years simply doesn’t fit with their future outlook.
Stewart has been linked to the blockbuster three-team trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo; however, if we set that aside, who else could use his talents ahead of the upcoming season?
Stewart embracing the north?
A possible swap involving the Toronto Raptors could be on the cards. The Raptors have been desperate for frontcourt depth, and the Pistons could definitely use more playmaking and shooting options on their roster.
For Detroit, trading Stewart for youngsters Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead makes perfect sense, with the Pistons able to mould them into backups for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
While Shead provided relief for Immanuel Quickley, Dick fell out of the rotation and will be eager for a second chance in the Motor City.
Bringing a much-needed wing player to Detroit, via Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers could bring a talented wing player to Detroit in the shape of Max Strus, whose presence would really help the Pistons.
What they’re short on is two-way wings who can ease the pressure off their stars, and Strus can fit perfectly into that gaping hole.
Beyond his floor-spacing ability, he can also create offense by attacking closeouts, addressing another area where Detroit has struggled.
Look no further than their playoff meeting, which the Cavs won with Strus averaging around 10 points per game in the series, capped with a 20-point showing off the bench in Game 5 that helped swing momentum in the Cavaliers’ favor.
Stewart’s salary and defense helps Denver
One issue that plagued the Denver Nuggets this season was their rim protection, and defense in the paint.
With Stewart, who posted just under two blocks per game last season, his defensive style would really help the Nuggets, but he would be in a similar position to the one he is currently in Detroit: A backup to Nikola Jokic.
Why does this move make sense for both parties? Well, look no further than the money involved. If Denver shipped Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun, who are both on the trade block, it would save the Nuggets money and give Detroit two strong players with championship pedigree.
Stewart is under contract for $15 million in 2026-27, with a team option for the same amount in 2027-28, bringing his total value to $30 million. Johnson’s set to make $23 million, and Braun’s is on $21.5 million. This works better for Denver than it would for the Pistons, but having Johnson and Braun only boosts Detroit’s championship credentials.
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A Metro Detroit church is giving back to the youth. In an age of heightened peer pressures, such as teen takeovers, leaders tell CBS News Detroit that good old-fashioned fun is the way to bring all ages together.
“It’s been a vision of mine and my late husband forever,” said Divine Restoration Ministries Pastor Dr. Tenisia Evans.
Divine Restoration Ministries hosted a Legacy in Action Day on Saturday in the gym of Eastpointe High School in Eastpointe, Michigan. The church says its focus is showing up for communities, especially the future generation.
“So many things going on in the world right now and the youth has been the center of our focus,” said Evans.
Evans says with the help of other church leaders and businesses, including AT&T, they were able to secure food, games and experiences for kids of all ages.
And when it comes to creating an event kids would actually like, Detroit teen Martrail Mullen says they were spot on.
“Kids, we like to move around and still have cardio, and while still having fun at my age, most churches don’t do that,” said Mullen.
Mullen says he has been invited to teen takeovers in the past. While he says he’s never gone to one, he wishes kids would use their time more wisely.
“Kids my age, they are doing a lot of things,” said Mullen.
That’s why Evans says now is the time they open their arms to anyone in need of support.
“We’re here. We’re here for you and we want to pour back and let you know that if you need anything, come to us and we will be here as a resource,” said Evans.
Troy Melton allowed one hit in six innings and the Detroit Tigers’ offense came alive late in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.
Dillon Dingler had two hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs as Detroit won its second straight game after losing four of five.
Melton (4-0) gave up a homer to Sam Antonacci on his second pitch of the game but allowed only four more baserunners — on three walks and a hit batter. He struck out five while allowing two or fewer runs for the fourth time in five starts this season.
Two Tigers relievers finished, with Kenley Jansen pitching the ninth for his ninth save.
Sean Newcomb started Chicago’s bullpen game with three perfect innings, but Tyler Davis walked the bases loaded with two out in the fourth. Joe Rock came out of the White Sox bullpen and struck out pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones to loud boos from the Comerica Park crowd.
With a runner on first and two out in the fifth, Kevin McGonigle got Detroit’s first hit of the game — the first hit for either team since Antonacci’s leadoff homer.
Dillon Dingler followed with an RBI single off Rock (0-1) to tie the game.
Detroit took the lead in the sixth when Spencer Torkelson doubled and scored on James Outman’s single. Jake Rogers made it 3-1 later in the inning with an RBI single.
Chicago didn’t get its second hit until Braden Montgomery doubled off Tyler Holton with one out in the seventh.
Dingler hit his 17th homer in the seventh, giving Detroit a 4-1 lead.
Up next
The teams finish the series Sunday in what was originally scheduled to be Justin Verlander’s first start as a Tigers player in Detroit since 2017. His hamstring strain means RHP Keider Montero (3-5, 3.67) will come back from the bullpen to face RHP Davis Martin (9-3, 3.31).
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