Actually, the Detroit Thanks Giving Day parade is not showcases nationally, only the Parade in New York City is proudly showcased around the whole country, its an aspect that makes secondary cities like Chicago mad. But since you are asking about Detroit, yes the parade is worth going to if you have nothing else to do, just stay clear of pick pocketers. As for charity, not many places downtown you can do do that, you have to go into the suburbs.
Hi....I can t tell you much from the volunteering aspect...but I can tell you that the parade is usually worth the effort. This is one of the larger Thanksgiving parades in the nation and is normally televised nationally.