AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Chrysler is extending a helping hand to a Detroit revitalization project this Saturday in the form of volunteers and supply donations.

The automaker said 150 of its employees will join University of Michigan and Detroit residents at the 13th annual Detroit Partnership Day, where more than 1,700 total volunteers will work together in helping to “spruce up” neighborhoods in Northwest and Southwest Detroit.

This marks the first time in the history of the Detroit Partnership Day that a corporate sponsor is volunteering, officials noted.

Chrysler is teaming up with the Detroit Partnership — a student-run non-profit group at Michigan — for these efforts. It is giving $4,000 in supplies and sending 150 volunteers to assist in graffiti removal, cleaning parks and planting flowerbeds with Focus: HOPE, the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corp. and Urban Neighborhood Initiatives.

Additionally, officials noted that close to 1,500 U-M students will be working to help demolish vacant homes and plant trees as well clean parks and schools at more than 30 locations around Detroit.

After the service is completed, the Chrysler volunteers, Michigan students and Detroit residents will attend a rally that will feature former Wolverine football coach Lloyd Carr, spoken-word artist Walter Lacy and Detroit City Councilwoman Saunteel Jenkins.

“Chrysler’s involvement is a testament to its commitment to the city of Detroit,” said Cassie Basler, executive director of hhe Detroit Partnership. “This is bigger than a commercial or a check. This is a company whose people are rolling up their sleeves to work with others in the community, and ultimately help The Detroit Partnership create lasting and powerful relationships in the city. It’s heartening to see community, education and corporate volunteers rally together to make a positive impact.”

Jody Trapasso, senior vice president of External Affairs at Chrysler and president of The Chrysler Foundation, added: “Chrysler Group has a nearly 100-year-old partnership with the City of Detroit. Chrysler and its employees value this opportunity to work hand-in-hand with The Detroit Partnership to help strengthen communities that have historically supported us.”