Pontiac, MI – May 19, 2026
50 Leadership Oakland volunteers, 20 Home Depot volunteers, and local artist Zach Curtis unite to expand food access and beautify Oakland HOPE campus in Pontiac.
Leadership Oakland Class XXXVI will bring together more than 70 volunteers on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for its annual Day of Service project at Oakland HOPE in Pontiac.
The large-scale volunteer effort will include 50 Leadership Oakland participants and 20 volunteers from The Home Depot, with all project materials donated through community partnerships and sponsorships.
The Day of Service project will focus on expanding Oakland HOPE’s Fresh Food Garden and enhancing the organization’s outdoor spaces that serve thousands of Oakland County residents each month.
Projects will include:
- Construction of 22 new raised garden beds to expand fresh produce production
- Planting and preparation for the spring and summer growing seasons
- Creation of a large-scale outdoor mural to beautify the thrift store donation area
- Site improvements designed to create a more welcoming environment for volunteers, donors, and families
Local muralist Zach Curtis will supervise the mural installation and work alongside volunteers throughout the day.
“Oakland HOPE impacts thousands of families across Oakland County every month, and our class is proud to support their mission through hands-on service,” said Gisele Poole, class President and Director of Quality and Data for the Community Housing Network. “This project reflects the power of collaboration, leadership, and community investment.”
Founded in 2013, Oakland HOPE is Oakland County’s largest food pantry, serving approximately 16,000 residents each month, including more than 4,500 children. In 2024 alone, the organization distributed more than 2.5 million pounds of food to neighbors in need.
The expanded Fresh Food Garden will more than double Oakland HOPE’s production of organically grown produce while also creating opportunities for nutrition education and community engagement.
Sponsors for the day of service include: Henry Ford Health, The City of Rochester, MSU Federal Credit Union, Home Depot, Corewell Health, Health Alliance Plan (HAP), Baker College, Kasasa and Oakland County.
Leadership Oakland’s annual Day of Service is the culmination of the organization’s flagship Cornerstone Program, a nine-month leadership development experience that brings together professionals from across southeast Michigan to strengthen their leadership skills through civic engagement and service.
Event Information
Leadership Oakland Class XXXVI Day of Service Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: Oakland HOPE, 20 Walton Blvd., Pontiac, MI 48340
To learn more about Leadership Oakland Class XXXVI’s Day of Service, visit Leadership Oakland. https://www.leadershipoakland.com/
To learn more about Oakland HOPE, visit Oakland HOPE. https://oaklandhope.org/
About Leadership Oakland
Leadership Oakland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing leaders through education, collaboration, and community engagement. Through its Cornerstone Program and annual Day of Service, Leadership Oakland empowers professionals to make a lasting impact throughout Oakland County and southeast Michigan.
Media Contact Carrie LeZotte 313-300-8233 contact@carrielezotte.com