Some kindergartners in Metro Detroit are learning the importance of service and giving back to the community.
On Wednesday (May 8) morning, the atmosphere was loud and lively in and around Artists Village on Detroit’s west side.
Dozens of kindergarten students from Lindberg Elementary in Dearborn spent the day with the team at Blight Busters.
“I really wanted them to come,” said Sophie Ray.
Organizers said Ray suggested the field trip because she wanted her classmates to experience community service and volunteering.
Ray’s family has been connected to Blight Busters for nearly four decades. The nonprofit’s President, John George, is also the little girl’s grandpa.
“Well, I think it’s important,” said George. “You know, the community is where we raise our family. Where we raise our children. We want them to be exposed to the positive things. The art. The music. The community garden. We even brought in some animals from the farm. We really want the kids to be grounded.”
The 5-year-old and 6-year-old students got the chance to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. It was all in the name of learning to give back, even at an early age.
“We’re learning how to build stuff, and we’re feeding animals,” Sophie explained.
Parent chaperones were all in on the field trip’s mission.
Maryem Hojeigh bonded with her daughter, Fatime, and classmates as they learned to build, paint, and do other activities.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for them,” said Hojeigh. “They get to see how much to help people out there. It gives them the opportunity to show it’s not just about you. It’s about helping everybody around you.”
For some of the children, the field trip to Blight Busters was their first time venturing outside of their own neighborhoods to do community service.
For Ray, she said it’s an outing she would recommend again. She hopes the spirit of service and giving back continues spreading.
“Because I just want other people to have fun,” Ray said.
The team at Blight Busters said it’s always looking for volunteers of all ages.