Rep. Jewell Jones Participates in Grocery Giveaway in Detroit

On May 20, State Representative Jewell Jones partnered with local community organizations to distribute more than $30,000 worth of groceries, children's items,and protective equipment to some of Detroit's impoverished and high-risk communities.

Although not part of Jones' District 11, which includes Dearborn Heights and Inkster, he partnered with Enjoy Detroit, the Detroit Phoenix Center, and Manifest Billions to bring some relief to Detroiters, saying, "Of course, my district is outside the city of Detroit, but I don't think that virus has borders." Grocery distribution took place at two locations, Foot Locker on East Eight Mile Road in Eastpointe in the morning, and Mackenzie Elementary School in Detroit later that afternoon.

Enjoy Detroit is a non-profit community organization founded in 2012 by entrepreneur David Woods as a way to give back to the city and its people. Jones has partnered with Enjoy Detroit and its founder for several years, collaborating on projects which bring services and resources to Detroit residents and those in neighboring communities. "We do a lot of things together," says Jones.

Also lending its energy to the grocery giveaway event was the Detroit Phoenix Center (DPC), a non-profit organization serving the needs of underserved and homeless youth in Detroit. DPC's founder and CEO, Courtney Smith said the goal was to distribute 300 boxes of food, but about 1,000 families were actually served by the event. "It was a great success. The community came together, both organizations were able to fulfill our mission, we were able to expand our reach and the weather was great," said Smith. "It was a very indescribable and great day."

The two non-profits had been working together since the governor's stay home order went into effect, impacting families economically. They had been supporting residents on a weekly basis, delivering food and essential household goods to families in need. Also distributed to attendees of the giveaway event were basic home supplies like diapers, baby formula, household goods, and gift cards. In addition, brochures on other local agencies offering support to families in need were included in every food box.

"The event definitely spoke to the resiliency of our community and the responsibility that we have to really meet the great need that exists right now," said Smith.

Jones expressed recognition and gratitude to the two organizations for partnering to make the giveaway a success. "To the people-stay optimistic, stay positive, and learn how to pay it forward; when we get blessed we need to figure out how we can bless others," he said. "We just hope that metro Detroit inspires that spirit of humility and love with our brothers and sisters."

For more information on Enjoy Detroit, see their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/EnjoyDetroit1701/. For more information on the Detroit Phoenix Center and how you can help, visit http://www.detroitphoenixcenter.org or call 313-482-0916.