NANKIN — Mapleton Local Schools had its annual community service event, Mapleton Cares Day on Monday.
High school students went out to volunteer at 20 locations throughout Ashland County, while middle school students volunteered on campus.
Some of the locations students worked at were local fire stations, county parks, the county fairgrounds, local churches, senior living centers, and the soil and water conservation district.
Students painted, mulched, weeded, planted flowers, washed fire trucks, planted trees, and more during this community service event. Over 20 sponsors make this event possible each year.
“Every year I look forward to Mapleton Cares Day,” said Rachel Arnold, President of the Friends of Ashland County Parks. “This has become a longstanding tradition, where wonderful young men and ladies come to help spring clean our wonderful parks.
“At Sauers Farm, students put down a lot of mulch each year for us. It is a tremendous help to our staff! Students work hard all morning lying roughly 20 yards of mulch around the park grounds.
“This year, students also helped out with playground maintenance and washing out tables we use for events. Some students this year even caught frogs to share with their classmates.
“It is always a joy to have the students help us get our parks ready for a busy summer season. They are much-appreciated and we look forward to seeing most of them next year.”
Mapleton teacher and National Honor Society advisor, Kerry Reisinger, believes that community service is part of being a contributing citizen to your community.
“Everyone who lives, works, and plays in their community is benefiting from the services that are offered in the area,” Reisinger said. “Many of these services, such as youth leagues, fire departments, county parks, the county fair, and more, need volunteers to help their programs.
“Mapleton is proud to offer students the opportunity to give back to these community groups.”