 | | | Photos provided | | | | | | Nearly 200 volunteers rolled up their sleeves June 4 to work on various projects throughout Lafayette to benefit local nonprofits as part of the first annual Lafayette Community Day - the brainchild of the Lafayette Community Foundation, the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce as a way to give back and serve others in the community.
Volunteers picked up trash along Mt. Diablo Boulevard, painted the gazebo at Gazebo Park, installed fencing at the community center, cleaned up the creekside at Leigh Creekside Park, and collected and sorted food for the White Pony Express Ukraine Food Drive.
The community donated approximately 350 cans of shelf stable food to be sent to Ukraine and approximately 20 volunteers came out to help, according to White Pony Express General Store Director Steve Harrell, who described the energy of the event as "upbeat and joyful thanks to our wonderful WPE volunteers."
Since the war began,?White Pony Express has shipped 33 pallets of needed medical supplies, hygiene kits, blankets, and food to refugees in Poland and Ukraine. Twelve more pallets of food will be shipped shortly as hunger is rampant, according to WPE Development Associate Maisie Carney. WPE is working with nonprofit and business partners to ship items to trusted organizations in Ukraine and neighboring countries to ensure the supplies reach those most in need.
Volunteers gathered at Plaza Park in downtown Lafayette after work was complete to enjoy music by the Traveling Wilburys Review and participate in community art projects.
The event was sponsored by Republic Services and Martin Homes, as well as these in-kind sponsors: Amy Dryer Designs, Peet's Coffee, Evergood Sausage,?Lafayette Social, Minuteman Press - Lafayette, Noah's Bagels, and Andrée Hurst Communications. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA