School Supply Night At The Garden

As an additional effort to help the kids in his neighborhood, Cub held the first School Supplies from the Georgia Street Garden event yesterday. It was a smashing success, with over two dozen kids showing up to get their school supplies and backpacks! Over a dozen children got haircuts courtesy of Cub's friend Purcell, who had 'em lined up and waiting for his handiwork!

Not only were there school supplies available, but all of the books that have been donated were available for the kids to take too, and they went very quickly. I am amazed at the children's desire to learn and this event was a fine example of that as each and every child waited patiently in line to get both their supplies, book bags and books. There were a wide range of ages as well, from pre-school to mid-teen, so the event reached a variety of kids.

Not only has the Garden solidified the neighborhood adults, it has given children hope that someone cares enough about them to help them prepare for school. To have witnessed the look of delight on the children's faces was a treat that I have been lucky enough to have witnessed, and I am proud to say that I have been a part of this effort.

My most sincere hope is that by seeing other adults take such an interest in these kids that the people that are actually responsible for them will step up and spend some time with their own children. We must lead by example in order to be effective and turn the tide of abandonment that has been the norm for far too long in this city. Children need to have the adults that are present in their lives spend QUALITY time with them in order to grow and prosper.
Posted by: PlymouthRes from DetroitYes.com



Education is the key to enlightenment, and the program started at nowhere that I have seen in the city provides that message more clearly than the Garden.

One of the other things that I noticed was the police presence in the area. Not only did we see some of Detroit's finest on Saturday night cruising the neighborhood, but they drove by during the event on Sunday, too. They are beginning to pay attention to the areas that want them there, and Cub and his neighbors that have called the Community Action lines are beginning to get the response that the neighborhoods of Detroit desperately need if the residents are going to feel safe and secure in their own town.

I was impressed to say the least.

Many thanks to Blueidone and MrBlueidone, who spearheaded the effort to collect supplies and the many others who have supported Cub, the Garden and this very worthy effort. They and people like them are the reason that these kids will start their school year with excitement and enthusiasm, and they should be applauded for their effort.

Lastly, if you all want to see people who truly care about other people interacting, them I urge you to come out to the Garden next Saturday night or, for that matter, any Saturday night in the future. It will,perhaps, encourage you and drive you to donate some of your time to this very worthy and fruitful effort.