FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ - Hundreds of volunteers spanned Fountain Hills on Saturday, digging deep into dirty work, raking leaves, trimming trees and discarding debris in order to help dozens of neighbors.
The
16th Annual Make a Difference Day in Fountain Hills featured more than three dozen residential projects and a few town-sponsored ones to help assist our neighbors and beautify the community. The collective effort saw roughly 1,800 hours of community service.
“[It’s] really about neighbors helping neighbors,” said Kim Wickland, the Volunteer Supervisor with the Town of Fountain Hills. “It’s a day where we can give back.”
Despite a rainy start to the morning, volunteers spanned out across the community. The residents who received help either physically or financially didn’t have other means to complete the tasks.
“There’s really a shared mission to help improve the lives of others,” Wickland said.
Volunteers spanned all ages, including young kids helping to plant trees. During the four-hour period, garbage bag after garbage bag full of tree limbs and debris piled up in front yards.
“Just giving back to the community is the best way we can use our time to help others,” said Joshua, a volunteer who assisted a resident with raking leaves and other yardwork. “I’m just here doing what I think is right…I like being a part of the community, being able to help one another.”
Multiple residents also expressed their extreme gratitude to everyone who donated their time to help.
“[They’re] doing a wonderful job,” said Bob, a longtime Fountain Hills resident, as crews worked to trim branches and remove old landscaping. “Thank you. You’ve touched my heart tremendously.”
Crews picked up and discarded the many piles of trash and debris, an amount perhaps only surpassed by the number of smiles throughout the neighborhoods.
“It’s inspirational, really, to be a part of it,” Wickland said. “The impact we can have collectively, when we work together, is immense.”
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