Established in 1997 to galvanize volunteerism on a regular basis, A Time to Help stages monthly projects to aid the needy and promote unity in metro Detroit.
Since then, more than 200 monthly projects have been completed by thousands of volunteers, ranging from building houses, delivering meals, beautifying city streets, running adoption fairs, repairing homeless shelters, packing food, and hosting an annual Christmas party to a shelter for battered women.
Mitch Albom and WJR co-host Ken Brown lead each monthly project, usually held on Saturdays between 9AM – noon. Volunteers can sign up for one, two or all, and there are no requirements, except that, for most events, volunteers should be at least 18 years of age. Older teenagers can come if accompanied by at least one adult supervisor for every four of them.
Do you have a suggestion for a project, or have a question about volunteering? Contact us at atimetohelp.detroit@gmail.com.
A Time to Help SAY Play Put on a Show
We have a special A Time to Help opportunity in December at the youth development SAY Play Center at Lipke Park.
On Thursday, December 1st, we’ll be hosting our third Winter Showcase to highlight our blossoming arts program, including our fellow charity partners. The event includes an art exhibit with strolling appetizers (with a chance for patrons to purchase the art from the gallery), followed by a sit-down dinner and a show for guests and patrons.
Date: Thursday, December 1
The Winter Showcase Times: 4-6 pm: Strolling Art Exhibit & Appetizers 6-8 pm: Dinner & Show
We are setting up shifts to help the Showcase run smoothly. Please choose your shift:
- Shift 1: 1 – 3:30 pm — Set up & Kitchen Help
- Total Volunteers Needed: 4
- Duties: Assist SAY Play staff setting up the art gallery and other event rooms (2). Help chef prepare appetizers (2).
- Go directly to CERVIS listing for Shift 1
- Shift 2: 3:30 – 6 pm — Donation Table & Appetizer Servers
- Total Volunteers Needed: 6
- Duties: Log art sales and mark when art has been sold (2 at the table, 1 on the floor); 2 appetizer servers, 1 kitchen helper.
- Go directly to CERVIS listing for Shift 2
- Shift 3: 5:45 – 8 pm — Dinner Servers, Kitchen Help
- Total Volunteers Needed: 4
- Duties: Help serve dinner, clear plates.
- Go directly to CERVIS listing for Shift 3
- Shift 4: 6:30 – 9 pm —Clean Up & Tear down
- Total volunteers needed: 3
- Duties: Help clean kitchen (1) and tear down event space 2)
- Go directly to CERVIS listing for Shift 4
Where: SAY Detroit Play Center, 19320 Van Dyke Ave, Detroit, MI 48234 | Map
Parking: Available in the lot in front of the building. Please enter on Suzanne Ave.
Attire: Please wear “event’’ black — ie, black slacks, shirt, dress, skirt, etc. Comfortable shoes are fine, but please no sneakers. Thank you!
Sign up via our CERVIS form: atimetohelp.org/volunteer. Registration-only event; space is limited.
Questions: atimetohelp.detroit@gmail.com
