The Full Story
Our Story
From a blanket on a cold corner to a movement that feeds and clothes Detroit.
2011
Our Humble Beginnings
In 2011, Karen Cannady along with Nina Cage and Pamela Searcy-Clinkscale from her church shared a passion to help the less fortunate. They started visiting Martin Luther King and 3rd Street — right by the Detroit Rescue Mission — passing out bibles, lunchables, water, and simply talking to the community.
When Karen was younger, she always knew she was a giver. She'd see commercials about feeding the needy in other countries. One time as a child, she came home from the grocery store and gave away her father's jacket to help someone in need.
“The Holy Spirit told me — you don't have to go out of the country to serve and help. The need is great right here. There are plenty of people — and children — in need.”
— Karen Cannady
2012
The Blanket Drive
One day, while taking her son to Wayne State University during a brutally cold Detroit winter — below zero temperatures — Karen saw a homeless man sitting outside in a wheelchair, wrapped in nothing but a thin blanket.
He looked like he was freezing.
That moment changed everything. Karen began collecting blankets and handing them out on Martin Luther King and 3rd Street. She then looked for new ways to get people to donate.
2012–2013
People Helping People
While working for FedEx inside a GM facility, Karen knew every year they would help charities. She approached a GM supervisor and asked for assistance — she needed a venue to collect blankets in bulk.
They agreed and started collecting blankets themselves, along with asking employees to donate. Her FedEx coworkers, along with Julie Carson — a GM employee — were among the many individuals who were a tremendous help getting things started.
By 2013, this became the project “People Helping People,” which continued to give every year, distributing blankets around 12pm each holiday season.
2014
Generous Giving is Born
In 2014, Karen changed the name of the program to Generous Giving — because the people were so generously helping her start her charity.
The charity expanded from blankets to hats, gloves, toiletries, and even pillows. Then Karen and her team expanded into food — hot dogs, chili, and chicken noodle soups.
2015–2019
A Movement Grows
The charity continued to grow year after year. Karen connected with the community, motorcycle clubs, and even individuals and groups outside of the state who provided donations or sent goods when possible.
Every holiday season, the team would set up on the streets of Detroit, distributing blankets, hats, gloves, hot meals, and most importantly — hope. The operation grew until the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 forced a change.
2020–Present
The Story Now
After the pandemic, Karen had to change the way she distributed goods. She tried partnering with larger charities to do popups at their centers — but they preferred she donate the goods to their organizations and let them handle distribution.
She preferred handing them out herself, with her own hands.
So she partnered with her church — Christ Temple Baptist Church on 10628 Plymouth Rd, led by Bishop Devay Myatt Sr. Now every Christmas Eve, she distributes Generous Giving donations through the church, along with partnering to build a food pantry inside the church with non-perishable items for the community.
The Future
Our Dream
In 2026, our story still continues. The plan is to get our own building — a place for meals, storage, and community. It's Karen's hope and dream that long after she's gone, the charity grows into a thriving nonprofit organization that continues to serve people and communities.
From a single blanket on a cold corner to a decade of service — and we're just getting started.
Every Act of Giving Matters
Whether it's a blanket, a meal, or your time — your generosity changes lives in Detroit. Join us in making a difference.