ABC News Today

DETROIT (WXYZ) – Hundreds of families left with food and personal care items after a holiday gift on the city’s east side.

On Saturday morning, NBA legend Earvin Magic Johnson teamed up with General Motors to sponsor a food drive at Second Ebenezer Church.

“It’s a difficult time for people not only here in Detroit but across the country, and so coming home to be able to bless these incredible families in need right now makes me feel good, but sad at the same time because so many people. they’re hurting,” Johnson said.

Each family received a box that included stable food, turkeys, ham and more. Families were also able to score coats, personal care items and children’s books.

More than 80 volunteers helped make the raffle possible, packing the boxes and handing them out to families as they went. Several volunteers were employees of General Motors.

“I want to help people. I want to make people happy,” volunteer Ava Roby said. “I know it’s been a tough couple of years since the pandemic and people need help.”

General Motors says this day has been in the works since August 2021.

“At GM, we want to be the most inclusive company out there and we believe in giving back to our community where we live and work and we’re on the road,” said a General Motors representative.

GM estimates that around 800 families were able to be served.

“It’s always a blessing for me to come home and try to make a difference,” Johnson said.