This browser does not support the Video element.
The day after Thanksgiving Pastor Elaine Gwyn took a survey of her Sow a Seed Youth Organization's food pantry located on Detroit's east side
"I need more for Christmas," she said. "The day after Thanksgiving, Christmas hits you and you want to make sure you are blessing people who want a Christmas but can't have one."
Gwynn says her organization has helped families for nearly two decades. She receives some help but the majority of what she gives comes out her pocket.
"One of our main people that we lost was Old Country Buffet that was with us for 13 years," said Gwynn. "We had a lot of organizations that would donate different things to help us but Christmas time is pretty rough for us because we don't get grants."
For Thanksgiving 2016 Pastor Gwynn says she and her husband helped over 100 families but as the focus turns toward Christmas. This church leader has concerns her organization may not be able to meet the needs of the surrounding community.
"The budget is kind of low this year cause of all the things we had to do and there are so many families we blessed throughout the year," she said. "And this year is tough for us."
So to help make sure the food pantry can provide food baskets and turkeys for Christmas, Gwynn says she had to make a sacrifice.
"Usually we give away tons of toys we're not doing toys cause we didn't get what we need to prepare to give away toys," she said. "It's been pretty rough."
But Pastor Gwynn hopes by sharing her story the community can help turn things around and help her help even more in the community.
"Buy some toys and just bring it here, I would love that," she said. "You don't have to give me money. Bring me toys, turkeys, give me the food.
"We just want to love the people," she said. "That's why I say it doesn't have to be money. Bring gifts, turkeys and hams and you'll see a big smile on my face because God is good to us."
To offer help: Sow a Seed Youth Organization, 20165 Van Dyke, Detroit MI. Phone number 313-893-8522.