What Gets You Up at the Crack of Dawn?

It has become an annual rite, one that forgives the crack of dawn alarm that wakes so many of us before the light of day on a Saturday morning. But it is THE day, WORKS day, many, many months in the making. It is the one that will fill our souls and that of our community, as community comes together to create a better world for our neighbors. It is the nearly 400 volunteers and soon-to-be friends who unite in the purpose of building picnic tables and benches, planting gardens, painting walls and murals, and making spaces more functional and welcoming that is so magical. 

We are always amazed by the transformation that comes so quickly when we work together. It is the kind of change that on Monday morning will be experienced by students as they are welcomed by a freshly manicured courtyard, or a new jumbo-sized checkboard newly painted in their Junior High student lounge. It will be the warm clasp of a child's hand by her mother as they arrive, uncertain and apprehensive, to their new temporary home and are reassured by the sight of a freshly painted family gathering room.  

As we traveled from site to site, 17 in all, taking on 85 total projects, we felt the warmth and commitment of people coming together for the benefit of others. It is the kind of affirmation that reminds us that good works, and good people are doing good and honorable things every day. Thanks to Tara, our fearless leader for Generation WORKS, all of our team leaders, amazing volunteers, Deutsche Bank whose commitment is unparalleled and each of the 17 agencies who do their miracle work every day. We are so glad to contribute as we can to your commitment to providing for and protecting those amongst us who need it most. 

Enjoy the photos that we have posted and remember, we don't have to wait on anyone to make change as long as we have each other.