Scene In Detroit: Sprinkle Some Sunshine Around Town
By Amelia Kanan, CBS Detroit Blogger
I began volunteering at a local nursing home when I was 10 years old. Back then, it meant free ice cream, wheelchair races and getting to belt out "You Are My Sunshine" to an audience that had no choice in the matter. Yes, the reasons for getting involved were adolescent, but in the long run it's stuck with me for bigger purposes.
It's kept me grounded, given me perspective and most importantly, helped me to remain thankful for even the smallest of things.
To some people, making a difference in the world means building a school in Africa, buying a goat for a family in India or clicking the "Donate a Dollar" box when checking-out with your online order. All of these things (if the organization is reputable) are charitable and do in fact, make a difference however, you don't need to board a plane or spend a dime to dish out some goodness.
Charity comes in all different shapes and sizes and with Detroit's spectrum of organizations you can find people in need closer than you think. To be honest, you can even just google "Detroit" and the cause, organization or deed you'd like to be involved with and boom, you're well on your way. This city isn't going to get better without your help and no matter what your personality, schedule or bank account you don't have an excuse:
If you...
...Don't like people, there are animal shelters.
...Don't like animals, enter a walk/run for a cause.
...Have a family, it's a great teaching tool and bonding tactic.
...Are single, you might meet someone.
And, if you're not into the organizational sort of commitment, do your own thing! As far as I'm concerned, anything that can make someone smile or say "thank you" is making that person's life easier or happier. Shovel/plow snow on a block in Detroit, surprise an elderly person with baked goods and a visit, donate old clothes/toys/baby items to a shelter or do some pro bono work that's fitting of your profession. Come on Detroit, let's put our hands out there and see who we can touch!
Amelia Kanan is freelance writer/photographer and a returning native of Detroit. A graduate of Columbia College in Chicago, she wrote for an Emmy nominated sketch comedy show and pursued her passion for documentary filmmaking in Los Angeles. An incomplete list of her loves: books, human rights, improv, the smell of new shoes, talking to strangers, libraries, France, yoga, furniture, music, sociology and pushing the limits.
