1,500 University of Michigan students pitch in on annual Detroit Partnership Day
More than 1,500 University of Michigan student volunteers used Detroit Partnership Day Saturday to lend a helping hand to the struggling city, the Detroit Free Press reports.
It was the largest turnout of U-M students for the annual day of volunteering since 1,400 showed up in 2001, the newspaper reported in a story published Sunday. Former Wolverines football coach Lloyd Carr, who began his teaching and coaching career in the city, thanked the volunteers afterward by shouting “Go Blue!”
Students partnered with dozens of neighborhood groups and nonprofits throughout the city to spruce up parks and schools, clear graffiti, plant flowers, board up vacant structures and prepare vacant lots to become urban gardens.
About 200 employees from Chrysler Group LLC also joined the citywide effort. The Auburn Hills-based automaker donated $4,000 to the effort.
For more, read the Free Press story.
Comments
Fordie
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:23 p.m.
To address Stevek's comment, I think it's important to note that Detroiters are out there with the DP. The Detroit Partnership works with non-profits embedded in the neighborhoods (primarily Brightmoor and Southwest). An important facet of the partnership with these organizations is the understanding that the U of M volunteers have an opportunity to work alongside Detroiters, and the community partners in Detroit really take this to heart. I don't know the numbers from this year, but last year the 1,300 students were joined by more than 400 community volunteers. From sites across the city stories came out about neighbors joining the throngs of voluteers, people driving passed stopping to help or coming back to bring water or snacks from the volunteers. The U of M volunteers provide a great resource for the neighborhoods they work in, but they are most effective when they work in partnership with city residents and non-profits - and this year that support was stronger than ever. - Former DP Director
DonBee
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:50 a.m.
Thank you to everyone who helped out with this effort.
talbotsmom
Mon, Apr 2, 2012 : 12:27 a.m.
Great job, students! What an amazing turnout.
Pickforddick
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
I agree with stevek and tdw.......It is a shame that these people can not clean up their own property and will stand and watch outsiders do it for them. This is the major reason that outsiders do not want their tax dollars going to a city that will not help itself. The mentality of it is disgraceful. commend the students for their effort and hopefully it will encourage the residents to keep it clean.
tdw
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
Sorry folks stevek is 100% correct,like it or not.I remember suburbanites doing the same thing when I worked there.I heard several people make comments like " they didn't clean up my street " or " why didn't they do my street ? " I also remember two kids walking about 50 feet behind the people who were cleaning, dropping their trash on the ground.So sorry people, I saw it with my own eyes and heard it with my own ears.Thumbs down me if you like but that's just the cold hard facts.
Sparty
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
So much for slamming the "rich, spoiled" UM students for today ?
stevek
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 3:53 p.m.
This is an extremely nice gesture from the students. Every citizen should set aside time each year to volunteer. However, it is very sad that the citizens of Detroit can't clean up after themselves and have to have members from outside the community to do this for them. Just another example of the mentality that exists in large urban areas. If the residents can't get free help from the government and won't clean up the neighborhoods themselves, they have to rely on outsiders. Being poor doesn't mean you can't take pride in something.
tdw
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 8:25 p.m.
The only thing you will NEVER find on the ground is a returnable bottle
Pickforddick
Sun, Apr 1, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Very well said and sadly so true.