There are many ways to make a difference, whether it’s through picking up trash, organizing supplies or simply lending a hand. And, through the city of Santa Clarita’s annual Make a Difference Day, as part of a nationwide initiative to volunteer on the fourth Saturday of October, residents of all ages could choose from 24 city and nonprofit projects.
Whether it’s through creating holiday cards for Circle of Hope, painting the curbs at the George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex Gymnasium, or removing graffiti from the Chuck Pontius Commuter Trail, hundreds of Santa Clarita residents showed up Saturday morning.
“Make a Difference Day happens yearly. This is our fifth Make a Difference Day. We have 24 projects — nonprofits and city projects — 300-plus volunteers come out on a Saturday to help at various places. Everything from Circle of Hope, Finally Family Homes, Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army, city projects such as Old Orchard Park,” said Jennifer Shadle, arts and events administer for the city. “The event is about community connection. Volunteers, community residents, come out to projects on a day to give back to the community.”
According to Shadle, the event has seen steady growth in participation over the years.
“Every year is a bit different, depending on how many nonprofits we get. Each year, it does increase just because we get more participation. People know about it a little bit more each year,” Shadle said. “Volunteerism is definitely a part of the city’s quality of life. If you come out, you want to be a part of your community. You want to give back — and there are so many ways to give back. Each organization gives volunteers information about their organization, why they’re there, what they’re doing, and what that nonprofit does for our community.”
Among those who participated in planting trees at the Newhall Community Center was 15-year-old Saugus sophomore Heriele Calinisan.
“It’s pretty relaxing, just digging up the dirt and putting the plants in. Especially since at home I like doing a lot of the yard work because I have a nice backyard with plants — I do it because it helps my mom, and I like keeping the place clean because I have a nice backyard with a lot of plants,” Calinisan said. “I like gardening and succulents. Today we’re planting trees and plants around this back area, and so far I’ve planted two.”
From 10 a.m., Calinisan and other volunteers participated to not only gain hours for clubs, but also to give back.
“I think this is a good opportunity to help the Santa Clarita community. If you need hours, I think it’s really nice, too,” Calinisan said.
Across town, at the Santa Clarita Valley Animal Care Center, 14 volunteers helped with various tasks from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
“The volunteers did various things around the Care Center, like picking up leaves, raking, anything to beautify the Care Center — little tasks that we sometimes don’t get a chance to do here at the center on a daily basis,” said Sgt. Shannon Wahrman with the center. “Our regular volunteers that are here are able to walk dogs, go to events, and do other things. I mentioned to the volunteers they can always go online and apply to become [an official] volunteer.”
Ranging from teenagers to retired individuals, the center welcomed volunteers of all ages.
“They were all really eager to help, and they got in and started working. Before they started working, I gave them a tour, told them about our center and they all seemed interested. None of them had actually been here before. It was a good experience to get the word out there that we are here — we’re not like a ‘big, bad shelter.’ We do a lot for our animals. We have a lot of programs going on,” Wahrman said. “We appreciate the city of Santa Clarita for helping us and getting this all organized. It was a good way to get exposure for our center and gain potentially new volunteers.”
