M&M Pet Supply Hosts Community Yard Sale & Benefit
The new mural signage for M&M Pet Supply. Image courtesy of Sharon Davis - Cawthorne
Rakisha Odom. Image courtesy of Sharon Davis - Cawthorne
If you happened to pass by E Warren and Somerset on Saturday June 8, you saw a community collaboration happening. Organizer Rakisha Odom was able to spread the word about a long-time commitment to have a yard sale on the Eastside. Says Rakisha, “For a few years I've been promising the community that I will organize a community yard sale and it took me a minute to get going, but a few people kept bugging me.”
As a longtime neighborhood advocate Rakisha talked about why she responded to the need. “It (was) important to organize a community yard sale to give people an opportunity. Some have household items, a few people that refurbish furniture, gardeners, and more so I just wanted to make sure that they had a place to sell these items in the Morningside community and maybe start a tradition, a yearly tradition where we get out, meet each other, network, share our gifts and talents with the community, and possibly make a few dollars.”
Steven Franks, the owner of M&M Pet Supply at 15625 E Warren, says it was an easy ‘Yes,” to support the effort. Having completed the purchase of the parking lot adjacent to his business, it was almost effortless to respond to a community need. “People know me around here, and it’s great that they are giving back too.” Steven mentioned that it was good to learn that some proceeds and items will be donated to both Brilliant Detroit and Redeem Detroit.
Vendor Shakinah T. liked the idea of having this opportunity. She had a few new clothing items for sale under $5. She liked the anonymity of the community sale because she wasn’t comfortable having a sale at her home. “I saw the posting on the Alger Theatre (marquee) and got my table,” says Shakinah.
Other neighbors and vendors welcomed the idea of it becoming an annual event. If you’d like more information on participating at upcoming community yard sales, contact Rakisha Odom at (313) 914-9638 or email her at thefreemind313@gmail.com.