On Thursday, Dec. 16, Detour Detroit is partnering with the Pope Francis Center and the Apparatus Room for an afternoon of community service and socializing. The service social is our third installment in the Detour DoGooders series, where we bring our readers together to support local Detroit nonprofits, give back to our community, get to know each other AND have a great time doing it.

The Pope Francis Center takes over Huntington Place (formerly the TCF Center) to load up and distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with warm winter essentials. On Thursday, Dec. 16 from 3-5 p.m., Detour members are invited to come learn more about the organization and get busy helping to organize supplies and fill backpacks!

The Pope Francis Center had been providing vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness for 30 years. They welcome nearly 200 guests a day and provide them with nutritious meals, showers and laundry, as well as access to doctors, dentists, lawyers and housing providers through free clinics.

After we’ve fulfilled our volunteer assignment, we will relocate to the Detroit Foundation Hotel, located directly across the street, to enjoy cocktails, snacks and community at the Apparatus Room.

This free event is for Detour members and a plus 1. RSVP is required — register here. 

Detour readers tell us that they are passionate about staying active in Detroit by getting involved with the people and organizations that make the city thrive. Simply put, you really care. When you join Detour, you’re showing you care about sustaining local journalism, and we’ll work together to pay it forward with you, in part by supporting places like the Pope Francis Center.

If you’re not a member yet, join now to attend the Dec. 16 service social and support local journalism all year long. Bonus: From now until Dec. 31, every penny of your new monthly membership will be matched by NewsMatch 12 times. For a small, independent organization like us, your $5 a month (or more) goes a long way and can make a real difference.

Detour Detroit is an independent local news outlet dedicated to building community, serving fellow Detroit residents, spotlighting neighborhood-level issues and providing important stories about our city through an equitable perspective. Detour couldn’t exist without our members and supporters. Click here to become a Detour member.