Sign Up to Make an “IMPACT” Around Metro Detroit TODAY!

For many of us, making a long-term commitment to volunteer can be an overwhelming task.

That’s one of the many reasons United Way for Southeastern Michigan has teamed up with Panera Bread® of Southeast Michigan to encourage area residents to get out and spend just one Saturday morning making a difference around metro Detroit.

The joint program, called “Impact Your Neighborhood,” is a regional initiative aiming to build stronger communities. The program offers one-time volunteer projects on Saturdays in September, October and November. Volunteers can sign up for just one event or all three!

Prior to each project, a designated Panera Bread location will host breakfast and an informational session for volunteers. Volunteers will also receive a complimentary T-Shirt and a Panera Bread catered lunch upon project completion.

Let’s reiterate that: You have the opportunity for FREE food, a FREE shirt and you’re making a difference. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Panera Bread bakery-cafes in the following cities are participating in the program: Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Heights, Grosse Pointe, Southgate, Sterling Heights and Waterford.

Volunteer projects include:
Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Vista Maria. Up to 25 pre-registered volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Dearborn Heights Panera Bread, located at 26580 Ford Rd. Volunteers will then travel to Vista Maria (in Dearborn Heights) to assist with outdoor beautification tasks and picnic with the residents.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at LightHouse PATH. Up to 15 pre-registered volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Bloomfield Hills bakery-cafe located at 2125 S. Telegraph Rd. Volunteers will then travel to LightHouse PATH (in Pontiac), where they will participate in a reading and craft activity with mothers and their children.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Gleaners locations in Detroit, Pontiac, Warren and Taylor. Up to 25 pre-registered volunteers per site location will travel to Gleaner’s where they will sort and pack food items that will be delivered to homeless shelters and other non-profits in need. Volunteers will meet at the following Panera Bread bakery-cafes at 8 a.m.:

Gleaners of Detroit: Grosse Pointe bakery-cafe at 17150 Kercheval Ave.
Gleaners of Pontiac: Waterford bakery-cafe at 5175 Highland Rd.
Gleaners of Warren: Sterling Heights bakery cafe at 36808 Van Dyke Ave.
Gleaners of Taylor: Southgate bakery-cafe at 13665 Eureka Rd.

To sign up for a project, visit http://www.iliveunited.org/, or call (313) 226-9200. Volunteers must register to participate in a project.

After completing a project, volunteers will have the opportunity to let their voice be heard – through guest blog posts and photo and video sharing.

Remember: Space is limited, so sign up today and let’s get ready to make an IMPACT!