A unique twist on holiday donations: Used ornaments and tree lights wanted

PLEASANT RIDGE, Mich. (WXYZ) - Have you changed your holiday decorating theme this year? Are you having a tough time letting go of your old Christmas ornaments? Do you have strands of tree lights you are not using?

Well, your questions are answered by two local women.

Cindy Jacobs and Lola Woods, came up with a unique donation idea for the holiday season. They are collecting lightly used ornaments and working lights for families assisted through the non-profit agency, Focus Hope of Detroit, Michigan.

Jacobs thought of this while getting ready for this year’s holiday season.  She was cleaning out her decorations and was heading to the trash with a bunch of ornaments until she realized her baubles were still in great shape.

“There was no reason to throw out perfectly good ornaments," she thought.

At that moment, wheels began to turn and “Operation: Ornament” was conceived.

Jacobs, who is Jewish, told 7 Action News, that her mother, a retired Detroit school teacher, always decorated her classroom every holiday and then brought the decorating into their home growing up.

Jacobs, a Royal Oak resident asked her friend, Lola Woods, the owner of Lola Salon in Pleasant Ridge, if she would be interested in teaming up with her on “Operation: Ornament."

 “She is a very enthusiastic, supportive and a giving person,” Jacobs said of Woods.  “She jumped on board immediately.”

Lola Salon has spread the word to their clientele as well and customers have been bringing in a lot of beautiful items. One client brought in beautiful feathered, high heeled shoe ornaments.

The donations should be new, or in good condition and the lights should be neat and coiled.

If you would still put an ornament on your tree then it is a great choice for a donation. The collection drive will continue through December 7, 2011.

Drop off location is @ Lola Salon 23908 Woodward in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan  248-399-0104 

Wednesday-Friday 11-6 and Saturday 10-3(Except 11/23-11/26)

For more information contact : Cindy Jacobs at cindyrjacobs@gmail.com

Then join in December 8, 2011 from 6:30-10pm for “Sip, Sort and Celebrate” at Lola Salon for holiday treats and help them prepare the donations for distribution.