DETROIT – Metro Detroiters answered the call to “Go 4 It” this May, showing up with lawnmowers, shovels, rakes, and more to help stock the Bailey Park Tool Library on Detroit’s east side.
The tool library is a free community resource that lets residents borrow a wide range of equipment for home projects and neighborhood cleanups.
Organizers say the donation drive brought in everything from handheld tools to heavy-duty yard equipment, and the response kept coming as cars pulled up throughout the event.
“When people see beautification taking place in the city, they want to be a part,” Coach Kellog said.
For Novi resident Maria Reisner, donating tools was also a way to clear out a collection that belonged to her late husband.
“My husband was a mechanic and a bit of a collector of tools. And just so much, so much, extra stuff,” Reisner said.
Others said their donations were personal, too.
Ypsilanti resident Carrie Evans brought tools in memory of her father.
“My father passed away almost two years ago, and yardwork was his favorite thing to do,” Evans said.
Detroit resident John Williamson said he wanted to help neighbors after losing his sister.
“My sister passed away recently,” Williamson said. “So, I wanted to come down here and donate these items because I know that the neighborhood needs them.”
Katrina Wilson with the Bailey Park Tool Library said the event helped fill critical gaps in their inventory.
“It has been a phenomenal response,” Wilson said. “Cars are pulling up. And we are really getting some of the tools that we need.”
The donated tools will be distributed across five tool libraries partnering with the City of Detroit, helping residents take on everything from yardwork to larger household projects, while also keeping Bailey Park’s supply strong.
The giving also came full circle: Sgt. Bryant George with the Detroit Police Athletic League, who recently received hundreds of donated youth basketball shoes and supplies during a previous Go 4 It event, stopped by to donate tools and keep the momentum going.
“It’s the gift that continues to give,” George said. “You all helped us, and so the kids and the adults who take advantage of this park, and these tools, we want them to feel special as well.”
If you couldn’t attend the Go 4 It event but have tools you’d like to donate, drop-offs are accepted on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bailey Park Neighborhood Development Corporation and Bailey Park Tool Library, 2617 Joseph Campau Avenue, Detroit.
More information is available at https://www.baileyparkndc.org.