This yard clean-up was organized for a needy Riverside homeowner whose yard had become completely unmanageable.  Nature was taking over, so we brought some of our toughest volunteers to help reclaim the property.  Some of the tools we would need included a chainsaw, axes, wheelbarrows, a large yard-waste bin, and over forty volunteers.

There were two volunteer groups, one from the 163rd Security Forces of the Air Force and the other from Riverside Sheriff’s Department. The volunteers from the Sheriff’s Department were soon-to-be Correctional Deputies of Class 74, whose motto  is “Strength and Honor.”  The Air Force volunteers hailed from March Base in Moreno Valley and ranged from new recruits to 36-year enlisted, now retired, veterans.  There were also two high school students, both involved in their school’s ROTC program.

This event was the first time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Riverside for most people, but everyone seemed to love it.  They all commented that they had become more motivated after this event to do more community service and outreach.  The work day was very successful and the homeowner was astonished by the 4-hour transformation.  Habitat for Humanity Riverside will return soon to complete this yard clearing though, as the backyard still has a lot of yard waste (so we need an additional large, waste bin).  Keep a look out for the next update on this property. It was an immense pleasure working with some of Riverside’s finest!