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Judge Mathis gives away 500 gift cards as relief during pandemic

Posted at 11:28 AM, Apr 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-27 12:42:14-04

DETROIT (WXYZ) — Traffic backed up as far as the eye could see down 7 Mile Road and Greenfield Avenue on Detroit's west side, this morning. Volunteers donning gloves and face masks passed out 500 Walmart gift cards to drivers courtesy of Judge Greg Mathis.

Minnie Davis, program director of the Mathis Community Center said, “We’re out in the community constantly, providing food, diapers, you know, resources for shelter and other things for the Mathis Center.”

“We also have a mentoring program here at the center. So our Young Men-in-Motion, they are out here in the community working everyday," she explained.

Davis tells 7 Action News Mathis and his family funded the giveaway to give a little joy during what’s been a hard time for many with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Camille Taylor, a gift card recipient said, "(It's a) blessing like this for my 16-year-old son."

"I thank God for all of our people and all of the help that we’re receiving," she added.

Terrell Leach, who received a $25 gift card said, “I've been really going through a lot. I was working at Art Van and got laid off. Ya know, anything can help you."

He added, "I’m really appreciative."

It's an attitude of gratitude for one of Detroit's own.

Davis said, “This is Judge Mathis’s home, and he loves Detroit. So he’s gone do all he can, and we are gonna continue to reach out and do other things.”

For more information about the center’s mentorship program, you can call 313-443-5146.