Driven by Service: Help DPSCD Students Stay Warm This Winter

Jan 13, 2025News, Student Resources

As Detroit braces for winter, the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation (DPSCD Foundation) is proud to partner with the Detroit Auto Show for a transformative initiative to support DPSCD students. Introducing Driven by Service Day, a new event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service.

From January 10–20, the Auto Show will host a clothing drive at Huntington Place to collect essential winter items for DPSCD students. The drive culminates in Driven by Service Day on January 18, a day of programming featuring prominent Detroiters, student performances, and impactful discussions on building stronger communities.

Banner promoting "Driven by Service" at the Detroit Auto Show. A smiling child in winter clothing stands next to a yellow sports car, with text encouraging donations to help DPSCD students receive essential winter garments.

Helping Students Stay Warm This Winter

Detroit winters are unforgiving, and many families face challenges accessing warm clothing. The Driven by Service clothing drive aims to eliminate this barrier to education by collecting:Full-length winter coats, Waterproof gloves and mittens, Matching hats and scarves.Attendees can drop off new items at Huntington Place during the Auto Show or contribute online.

A child wearing a navy blue winter coat with a fur-lined hood stands against a red wooden wall. The child has long brown hair and a calm expression.
A red puffer coat with a faux fur-trimmed hood. It has two front pockets with snap buttons and horizontal stitching details. The coat is designed with elastic cuffs and a warm, insulated interior.

For many families in Detroit, access to warm clothing during the winter isn’t guaranteed. This initiative helps remove a critical barrier to attendance and learning, ensuring students can focus on their education regardless of the challenges they face.

Kerrie Mitchel

President, CEO

A Day of Celebration and Service

On January 18, Driven by Service Day will honor Dr. King’s spirit of giving back with programming at Huntington Place. Highlights include:

      • Student Performances: Showcasing the talent and creativity of DPSCD students.
      • Panel Discussions: Prominent Detroiters discussing community resilience and collaboration.
      • Volunteer Engagement: Local organizations and community leaders sorting donations and spreading the message of service.

Dr. King’s legacy is a guiding force for this initiative. Fittingly, Huntington Place—the location of his first “I Have a Dream” remarks in 1963—will be transformed into a hub of action and inspiration.

 

How You Can Help

This winter, every donation makes a difference. Whether you’re visiting the Auto Show or supporting online, your contributions directly impact DPSCD students and their families. Together, we’re ensuring no student has to face the cold unprepared. Join us in turning challenges into opportunities and creating brighter futures for Detroit’s youth.