Partnership to make a difference

Richmond ’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has partnered with The Virginia Home to help make a difference in the lives of some very special people.

Because there are very few volunteer opportunities accessible to adults with profound physical disabilities such as those who live at The Virginia Home, last year the two organizations partnered to create a project on national Make-A-Difference Day specifically for residents of the home. The two organizations will continue their partnership again this year with a Make-A-Difference Day volunteer project on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Called “Branching Out,” this year’s project will involve volunteers helping the residents of The Virginia Home to reach their goal of planting 15 trees. It will be held in Byrd Park , which is adjacent to The Virginia Home located at 1101 Hampton St . The department worked with The Virginia Home to help select the trees and to prepare the planting sites. In addition, the residents of The Virginia Home will assist the department by providing ongoing care for the trees during the coming year.

Last year’s project also included community volunteers who helped The Virginia Home residents build an accessible raised garden bed and sheltered picnic table in Byrd Park.

“Make-A-Difference Day works on several levels,” Sherry Williams, director of volunteer services for The Virginia Home, pointed out. “It gives residents of The Virginia Home the opportunity to make a contribution to their city and the environment and to enjoy a sense of accomplishment, and it gives citizens the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a special person’s life and in Byrd Park as well.”

“This is a unique and rewarding program,” said J. R. Pope, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “We are proud to be a part of it and to be able to help our Byrd Park neighbors while making improvements to the park.”