Mayor Proclaims Saturday Summerville Cares Day

Summerville Mayor Bill Collins, joined by other community leaders in Town Hall, signed a proclamation declaring April 21 Summerville Cares Day of Service.

The kickoff is scheduled for 8 a.m. on April 21 at Azalea Park. Volunteers will then fan out to nearly 30 community-improvement projects throughout Summerville. The mayor encouraged additional residents and sponsors to volunteer on the program’s website: scdayofservice.org.

"One of my goals is to tap into the spirit of volunteerism of our residents, many of whom see peopleand non-profit organizations struggling in this difficult economic climate. We are linking arms with businesses, schools, churches and citizens in this unprecedented effort of volunteerism," Collins said. "I am impressed by the number of volunteers signed up already and by the response of sponsors in the community tosupport the volunteers as they tackle projects throughout Summerville. There is room for many morevolunteers, and I urge all who can to join us in improving our community and lifting the spirits of all who participate."

Participants in the April 9 ceremony included other founding members of the annual event: Rita Berry, CEO of Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce; Joe Pye, Superintendent of Dorchester School District Two; E. Les Cooper, President of the 10 Lowcountry Congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and Larry Weatherford of The Weatherford Financial Group.

Representatives of volunteer organizations and sponsors were also present to hear the progress inidentifying suitable projects, acquiring equipment and supplies from donors, and conducting the kickoffevent.

More than 300 volunteers and 20 sponsors have registered for participation.

A variety of projects are scheduled for completion on the day, including:

• Installing a roof and stabilizing a pond bank at Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch
• Painting facilities and re-landscaping the Frances Willis SPCA, the shelter that protects animals
• Re-finishing the theater stage at Summerville High School

Other projects include landscaping, and food and blood drives.