Andrea Carethers, Pharmacist and Small Business Owner, Gives Back to Rx for Reading Detroit

Small Minority Businesses Can Still Make a Large Impact

DETROIT, MI, April 15, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ — “You get it honestly”, my father always says when I do something inherently. From the time that I could remember, I always gave something back. Even when I had little more than the institution or community, I was giving to. There was always a donation that could be made. Sometimes it’s my time, sometimes it’s my possessions, sometimes it’s just a few dollars.

I recently had the pleasure of hosting a book drive that contributed 125 books to Rx for Reading Detroit. I was also able to make a financial contribution that was matched by my business. As a pharmacist and a parent, I understand the importance of a prescription for reading. I feel this collaboration was a blessing because every dollar given goes towards books and community libraries. Every hour given reading to a child or hosting a book drive makes a significant impact. This program is effective and an efficient use of a donor’s time and resources.

Sometimes we are charitable and we don’t realize it. I watched as my grandparents helped to raise other people’s children and gave money to neighboring families in need. All without expecting anything in return. How many of us have done this? Being generous comes so naturally that we don’t realize that we are being charitable. I would go to St. Bernard Church in Detroit with my grandmother and help put food boxes together when I could barely see over the table where the boxes were being prepared. Then we would drive to local families in the area and drop off the boxes to individual homes.

I am not always the giver. Many times, in my life, I have been the recipient of other people’s kindness and generosity. Once I became a teenager, I decided that I would give my time and resources whenever I was able. Giving is personal and you should never feel guilty about how, to whom, or why you give.

The COVID epidemic drastically changed how I was able to give. I could no longer make clothing donations or volunteer in person. Cash was always an option, but many communities had to do more with less. How could I justify giving to others when I have friends and family that are also in need? I was able to justify it because giving has always been good for my soul. It’s part of my foundation and keeps my mind, body, and spirit level. It was time for me to give to the communities that touched me the most.

After COVID, I have decided to give to those communities and organizations that left an impression on me while I was growing up, that helped provide education about my culture, and that built academic and social self-esteem.

Here are some of my favorites:

RX for reading Detroit-Donations and book drives go toward community libraries and there is an opportunity to read to the children as well.

COTS- A community organization in Detroit dedicated to helping local families overcome homelessness. I was never homeless, but it can happen to any of us.

HUB- Horizons Upward Bound a program that academically prepares students with limited opportunities. I support the one at Cranbrook Schools and was enrolled in a similar program that collaborated between Detroit Public Schools and Wayne State University.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History-this museum helped to support my self-esteem as a child.

I like to diversify my giving just as I would diversity my investments. Only give what you can afford, never feel guilty about the amount, and know that giving time and your skill is as valuable as money.

A and J Pharmaceutical Innovations L.L.C. provides ever evolving pharmacist services.

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