Leila Oskui ’26

Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church

Every Friday morning, Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church partners with non-profit Make Food Not Waste, resulting in the church bustling with volunteers getting ready for Detroit community members to arrive. They bring out food and other supplies that have been donated from various stores and individuals. It lasts from 9 a.m. until about 11:30 a.m. Activities include interacting with community members, carrying boxes of food and looking through and composting food that is not up to standard. For more information, contact Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church.

The Helm

The Helm is a local center dedicated to the betterment of people’s quality of life as they age. They have many different activities for older citizens including: knitting, tai chi, mahjong and other classes to help learn and stay active. Over the summer, they host multiple barbeques, where they seek help from volunteers of all ages, as well as having other special events. They also participate in Meals on Wheels throughout the Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods communities. For more information, contact The Helm at the Boll Life Center.

Cass Community Social Services

Cass Community Social Services is a nonprofit organization based in Detroit. They target areas of poverty, working to provide food, housing, health and jobs. They look for volunteers, preferably above the age of 10, to assist them in all of the areas that they focus in. They take volunteers pretty much any day of the week and for however long they are willing to work. It is helpful to give proper notice on who is coming and when so they have the supplies needed. For more information contact Cass Community Social Services.

Forgotten Harvest

Forgotten Harvest is an organization whose goal is to reduce hunger and food insecurity. They have locations throughout the metropolitan area. They have many different volunteer opportunities, including distributing boxes of food, farming, cleaning the warehouse and picking up donated food from donors. Different jobs require different physical abilities, such as being able to lift heavy boxes or being able to drive. For more information contact Forgotten Harvest.

Summer in the City

Summer in the City is a program located in Detroit. It has many unique programs such as painting murals across the city, educational programs and other opportunities. Their initiative focuses on providing activities and support for children and families during the summer months. Volunteers register on their website and get a weekly email of all the different activities that week. They can sign up for as many or as little as they want, based on their own schedule. For more information, contact Summer in the City.