Students celebrate Christmas early thanks to giveaways

Many youngsters had an early Christmas on Thursday, thanks to two giveaways.

Comerica Bank and ACCESS partnered for the 17th consecutive year to host a special holiday event for hundreds of students from preschool through fourth grade. The Salina Elementary School pupils had an early visit from Santa Claus, and volunteers helped distribute toys, school supplies and piggy banks.

Later in the day, as part of its “Shop with a Hero” events, Meijer paired 15 underprivileged children with Lincoln Park police and firefighters to shop for holiday gifts at a location in the city.

The youths also received $125 in Meijer gift cards.