Communications Team Blog : 4.22.23
The Denver community showed up on the big annual ECM Go: Westwood Day despite the snowy, colder weather and gloomy skies. The volunteers made the day brighter by helping out the community.
“You can’t change the weather… but looking down the alley, you can already see a difference. ”
Brian ventured from central Denver to help the student groups since he had a son attending Regis High School and another one in junior high considering attending.
Dads with their sons in the Regis Men’s Club organized an event for the group for a day of volunteering, fulfilling service hour requirements.
“Regis gives them a great opportunity to get kids, and maybe in places they haven’t been and things they haven’t done. We have done it a couple of times, and it has been great every time.”
Other groups, such as the Beacon Family Group, had to adapt to the weather because projects involved planning and landscaping, which is difficult to accomplish in the snow. They pivoted to cleaning the adult food pantry inside Monroe Elementary since it is near the end of the school year.
A few individuals took everything out between now and May. When they have a food distribution every other Thursday, they also take inventory of what they are low on.
Denver Police cleaned a few alleys as a part of a community volunteer program implemented by the department for newer recruits to make a positive impact.
“It really nice to see different people coming out and understanding why they are coming out.”
New recruits and recent graduates participate in a city-wide program to get to better know the area and meet people in neighborhoods. A different officer said they were part of a different workday and enojyed their time, and wanted to participate again.
Climate change advocacy group Commún came out to celebrate Earth Day and give back to the community.
Andrea with the organization was glad to come out and help. Economic issues and a sense of belonging can enhance neighborhood resilience with displacement. The organization educates residents about climate advocacy, air quality, and watersheds.
“Partnering with ECM is an effective way to build community with beautification projects,” Andrea said, hoping to continue their collaboration.
Different organizations made Westwood a better place to live on a snowy Denver day.
- Kenny - Communications Team