Amazing day!

Our first project today was with Hands On New Orleans. We landscaped and renovated AP Tureaud park, a small neighborhood park in the seventh ward dedicated to a local lawyer pivotal in the civil rights movement in New Orleans. We planted trees, shrubs and flowers, re-painted park benches, built picnic tables and trash receptacles, and did general clean-up.

Two other volunteer groups joined in the effort- students from Xavier University of LA, and members of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at the University of New Orleans, of which AP Tureaud was a member- along with a few local residents. We were also paid a visit by AP Tureaud’s daughter and son-in-law; they brought a real historical connection to the project and expressed deep appreciation for the work we did. That really hit home for me that we were making a difference in these people’s lives and made the day.

It was a long day. But for a few of us, that was only first project. In the evening, about 12 of us went to the Animal Rescue of New Orleans were we helped clean cages, socialize with cats, and take dogs for walks. Wonderful animals that are being cared for and loved deeply by some great local volunteers!

You can see more photos of today’s events here.

-dk

You learn something new everyday…

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