Volunteers pitch in for Make a Difference Day

Difference Makers of Hot Springs, comprised of local churches, affiliates, city officials, and volunteers, spearheaded Make a Difference Day, a citywide community service project, on Oct. 25 centered on the largest national community service day in the country.

Millions of volunteers across the nation united that day with a common mission to improve the lives of others. For more than 20 years, USA Weekend Magazine, in collaboration with Points of Light, has brought Make a Difference Day.

The group joined with city officials, neighborhoods, churches and schools to establish needed projects in the area.

Five geographical project sites were established, including Langston Elementary’s courtyard, with restoration of a gazebo, landscaping, clearing gravel, pruning hedges, and setting up picnic tables and benches.

The overhauling of Oaklawn Elementary’s landscaping in front of the building and along the driveway entry included pruning hedges, replacing mulch, and area cleanup.

Refreshing the Ouachita Children Center’s interior included extra cleaning throughout, sealing of floor tile, painting, and rearranging furniture.

Rejuvenating of the grounds of Historic Friendship Cemetery and Mountain Pine Community Cemetery, volunteers came with weed trimmers, mowers, leaf blowers, hedge clippers, and a willingness to restore and beautify the sometimes neglected cemetery grounds to assure that the final resting place of family, friends, and loved ones are properly restored, maintained, and kept sacred.

A celebratory lunch was held at Hollywood Park to close out the day for all participants and the community, with entertainment, food, fun, and fellowship.

“Difference Makers of Hot Springs would like to extend a thank you to all city officials, affiliates, participants, and contributors for their dedication and support to the community, as well as to SAM’s, and Wal-Mart, Central and Albert Pike, for their donations for the event,” a news release said.

Ongoing projects throughout the community are being planned.

To volunteer, contact Difference Makers of Hot Springs, Willie Wade at 501-881-0929, or Esther Dixon at 501-276-2121, for more information.

Submitted photos DIFFERENCE MAKERS: Participants and volunteers, top, gather at Hollywood Park during Make a Difference Day. The Ouachita Children’s Center Group, above right, refreshed the center’s interior. The Oaklawn Elementary Group overhauled landscaping in front...