Team Mari Christmas 2024

Hi everyone. My name is Mari Copeny, I’m 17 years old, and you may know me as “Little Miss Flint” even though I’m not so little anymore. I'm an activist, advocate, and philanthropist. I'm also a Flint kid that loves giving back to Flint kids. I host several events throughout the year, including a back-to-school backpack and supply giveaway, an Easter Egg hunt, book giveaways, and more.

Since 2017, I have been doing an annual Christmas event for the kids in my community. Every year I try to outdo myself from the previous year. I love Christmas, and being able to spread the magic of Christmas to other kids is my favorite thing to do. Every year I make sure to include activities that add even more Christmas spirit to the event, including stocking stuffing, cookie decorating, an exotic animal petting zoo, live reindeer, a hot cocoa bar, an elf adoption center, arts and crafts, inflatables, and a Black Santa.

This is my 9th year doing my holiday event, and the need in the community is higher now than ever before, with my team already receiving requests from families that need help this holiday season. Knowing the need is higher, we will try to help as many families as possible. We have been averaging about 1,000 kids each year but would love to double that number this year.

This year we are going to be serving from newborn to high school. We want to make sure we have enough items that teens like since they are always the hardest to shop for.