People of all ages gathered for a morning of giving back through service, during the city of Santa Clarita’s fifth annual Beautification Day on Saturday, in an effort encouraging local residents to participate in volunteer work.
Held at various locations, Beautification Day this year included litter and graffiti removal and mulching along Golden Valley Road near Sierra Highway.
A bulky-item drop-off location was also held at Newhall Park for residents to dispose of large items to avoid illegal dumping throughout areas of the valley.
Gabby Vera, volunteer engagement coordinator for the city of Santa Clarita, stated that over 50 people spent their Saturday morning spreading mulch despite the growing heat. Because there were so many present, the event, which was scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., ended about an hour earlier.
As Vera has spent the past several years helping coordinate volunteer opportunities, she’s been able to witness volunteers return throughout the years to be of service, which continues to strengthen the community.
“As teens who had to do volunteer community service hours as a requirement for school, sometimes honors society, or just a school club, continue that into their adulthood. I think that’s one of the many ways that we stay united as a community,” she said.
Andreia Ferreira wanted to join her daughter during a morning of giving back after they learned about the opportunity.
“It’s a good thing to do on a Saturday,” Ferreira said, and added that she’s volunteered at the local food pantry in the past and aims to help whenever she has the spare time because “it’s good to help people,” she said.
Her daughter, Adriana, who’s currently an eighth grader at Sierra Vista Junior High School, enjoys volunteering whenever she can. In the past, she’s done work with the local shelters, and at school participated in yearbooks and other programs.
“It’s fun and it kinda of gets me out of my room,” she said and hopes to see more kids her age embrace volunteer work because, she said, “it’s a good opportunity. It can really help them in the future, like even applying for colleges, and it’s just something that’s helpful.”
