Community service is something I’ve always valued. My father, a Holocaust survivor who has been a mentor to thousands of youth in Boston, taught me the influence one individual can have on entire neighborhoods. Before I was elected to the Boston City Council, I volunteered to coach soccer for Hill House, a youth organization in Beacon Hill. This spring, my office brought hundreds of volunteers to the Boston Common for a clean-up as part of the annual Boston Shines event.
But giving one’s time to their community is even more crucial in a difficult economic climate. The organizations that rely on grants and state and local aid have to make sacrifices as their budgets dry up. Given these cutbacks, service is ore important now than ever before. President Obama recognizes this, and launched the “United We Serve” campaign to challenge Americans to help make their communities stronger.
I’ve partnered with the New England Steering Committee for Organizing for America to answer the President’s call to serve. The NESC has already brought together 75 volunteers, along with landscaping materials and experts, for a clean-up of the Tobin K-8 school. It will take place this Saturday, August 22 from 9a.m.-1p.m. We will put a new coat of paint on the building and improve the grounds with new flowers, benches, and other landscaping.
In my 10 years representing the Tobin’s district, I’ve developed a close relationship with both the staff and students, and I’m impressed with the quality education the school’s students receive. It will be a thrill for the kids to come back from summer vacation to see that so many people donated their time and skills to improve the space in which they learn. I’m grateful to the New England Steering Committee and all volunteers for choosing the Tobin for their community service project.
Of course, as with all projects like this, the Tobin K-8 Clean-Up could always use more people to help. Please contact my office at (617) 635-4225 or Michael.Ross@cityofboston.gov for more information or to sign up to participate.
