‘Tis the season for giving!  

While we’ve been making the holidays bright with our annual Wild Lights event, a celebration featuring millions of twinkling lights decorating the Detroit Zoo, we know the season wouldn’t be complete without gifting something back to our community. That’s why we are partnering with Mittens for Detroit all Wild Lights long!  

Mittens for Detroit is a local nonprofit that collects new, warm mittens and gloves for families in need. The items are then distributed through schools, veterans’ groups, senior centers, shelters, medical facilities and other like organizations. Since establishing itself in 2010, the organization has delivered more than a quarter million pairs of gloves and mittens to children, teens and adults in Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Dearborn and Pontiac.  

The Detroit Zoological Society is proud to again partner with Mittens of Detroit to warm the hands and hearts of our Metro Detroit neighbors.  

“The pairs raised at Wild Lights will be immensely helpful, as we can process them quickly and they will be on hands within a week or so of their donation,” says Wendy Shepherd, Mittens for Detroit executive director. “We greatly appreciate once again the community outreach that this fantastic event brings.” 

Last year, our Wild Lights guests helped us collect nearly 800 pairs of gloves and mittens. This year, we are aiming for 1,000 pairs — but we need your help to cross the finish line! When you plan your trip to Wild Lights this season, help us give back by bringing in a pair of new, unused gloves or mittens to donate to those in need. Wrapped collection boxes can be found at the Detroit Zoo’s entrance. Wild Lights runs select evenings through Jan. 8. 

Together, we can ensure the holiday season is merry, bright and warm for all.