DETROIT – Spring weather has many people tackling home and yard projects, and having the right tools can make all the difference.
That’s why Local 4 is working to help stock Detroit’s community tool libraries with donations for our May Go 4 It event, “Tools to Spare.”
The goal: collect new and gently used tools that Detroit residents can ultimately borrow free of charge through tool library sites across the city.
At the Kirby Senior Community Garden on Detroit’s east side, neighbors are working to turn six vacant lots into a garden some in the community now call an oasis.
“It’s real special to me,” said Princess Dennis, who lives in the area and helps maintain the space. “This is my peace.”
But keeping the garden growing takes serious effort.
“I can only imagine that maintaining a garden like this is exhausting,” I told Dennis.
“Yes, it is. It is. It’s exhausting,” Dennis replied.
That’s where community support and tool libraries come in.
A grounds team with the Bailey Park Neighborhood Development Corporation (CDC) brings a variety of tools to help keep projects moving.
“All of these items can be found at the tool library,” said Katrina Watkins, founder and CEO of Bailey Park CDC.
Watkins’ organization is among five groups partnering with the City of Detroit to maintain and operate tool libraries. These sites lend tools to residents who need to start or finish projects, and they’re free for any block club, neighborhood group, or Detroit resident, organizers said.
“We absolutely make it easier for residents,” Watkins said.
Tool libraries typically carry commonly needed items, including:
- Weed whackers
- Loppers
- Tree trimmers
- Lawn mowers
Watkins said there’s also an ongoing need for replacement tools because equipment gets heavy use.
“We definitely go through a lot of weed whackers,” Watkins said, adding that tree trimmers, loppers, spade shovels, flat shovels, hand shovels, and lawn mowers are also in demand.
Organizers say household tools and work gloves can help, too.
Dennis said borrowing tools is simple.
“They’re there to help,” Dennis said.
How to donate: “Tools to Spare” event details
Local 4 will collect new and gently used tools at the Bailey Park Tool Library.
Donations will be distributed across five community tool library sites in Detroit.
- Where: Bailey Park Tool Library, 2617 Joseph Campau, Detroit, MI
- When: May 20
- Time: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- What to donate: Hand tools, household tools, gloves, and lawn equipment (including lawn mowers)