On Mondays and Fridays, barring inclement weather, a group of volunteers from Goodwill Industries are cleaning up debris from the sidewalks in Historic Old Colorado City along W. Colorado Ave., from 23rd to 28th St. These volunteers are people with disabilities through Goodwill Industries Employment and Training for Individuals with Disabilities.
Becky McCain, Case Worker from Goodwill Industries said, “All of this effort was initiated based upon the hopes and wishes of our folks with disabilities during the Dream City 2020 meetings. Here at Goodwill’s main location in Old Colorado City, we have workers who described how much they cherished Old Colorado City and how they wanted to see it ‘look nice’ in the year 2020. To that end, last week we cleaned up over four pounds of trash last week, most of which was cigarette butts.”
McCain continued, “We typically go in the mornings from 9:15am to 10:30am, but times may vary based on special events. Our intent is to help keep Old Colorado City tidy before and after weekend events. Another project we have going here in town is at our Old Colorado City Historical Center. Our volunteers this summer have helped clean flower beds, sweep, weed the patio, and dust. Overall, our volunteer workers are very pleased with their efforts, and look forward to other projects in town.”
Charlie Irwin, President of the Old Colorado City Association of merchants said, “Unlike our recent Old Colorado City Cares project where businesses in Old Colorado City raised thousands of dollars for local charities, our friends at Goodwill offered us another way to give back. Goodwill asked us to provide something worthwhile for the individuals to do for their community. We loved the idea and we felt it was an opportunity for us to provide a worthwhile task so each person involved can feel needed. The various projects they do for Old Colorado City are truly something the merchant association and our members are grateful for. It truly is an inspiration and heart-warming to all.”
Mazie Baalman, Owner of four local Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations in the Colorado Springs area, provides rewards to these volunteers with chocolate treats after they have completed their work. In thanking Mazie for her donation, McCain said, “Our folks with disabilities felt recognized and appreciated for their efforts as community members, and thanks to you and the Old Colorado City Association, there are people going home today thinking, ‘Today I helped out by making Old Colorado City nicer. Today, someone’s life was better because of me.’ Because of people like you, Mazie, others have a chance to recognize and celebrate their value. Those thoughtful things we do for one another have huge meaning for our clients/customers at Goodwill.”
For more information on Goodwill Industries or to donate to this special project, please contact Becky McCain at 719-635-4483, extension 1254 or go online at www.goodwill-colosprings.org.
Trendy boutiques, classic jewelry, gourmet restaurants, exquisite art and a lovely, tree-lined avenue invite the children and their families to come and see what Old Colorado City has to offer visitors and guests.
Please visit www.shopoldcoloradocity.com for more information about Old Colorado City and its 100 members. To learn more about the fascinating 150 years of Old Colorado City history and celebrate the sesquicentennial, visit the History Center located at 1 South 24th St. or www.history.oldcolo.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment