Give back to a community that works so hard for each other

By Emmy Lay

I’ve lived in Eatonville practically my whole life, long enough to remember when Tall Timbers and Aaron’s Ark were staples in my early teen diet and the Gypsy Wagon first opened their doors. I’ve witnessed a state championship in sports, historic buildings brought back to life, and the love for town and community during our 4th of July and Christmas parades.

Our town is a place I’m proud of, and my love of our community is something that at times takes precedence over my own family’s mountain of dirty laundry and drawn-out bedtime routines. Just ask my husband, who watches me scurry off to board meetings, advisory meetings, and various volunteer commitments. I get a little carried away with wanting our growing town to be amazing for all who live here.

The past few years, our community has celebrated town pride with a 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance, honoring the men and women who serve our country and those who have lost their lives. I’ve worked side-by-side with friends and complete strangers while painting curbs, weeding flower beds, picking up trash, and staining benches. We’ve raked and cleaned and hammered and pruned, all while making new friends and growing a deeper love for our sweet community.

Our two to four hours of service is always greatly rewarded by a spaghetti luncheon, followed by homemade cookies and treats, held in the basement of the Methodist Church. Seniors and toddlers and everyone in between share stories and smiles while being served tasty pasta, garlic bread and salad. The afternoon is then open for a well-deserved nap.

The 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance is a wonderful opportunity for entire families to give back to their community. It’s a chance to make our town and its citizens shine from the inside out.

This year’s Day of Service will be held on Sept. 9, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the flagpole at Eatonville High School. Opening ceremonies begin at 9, and shortly after, teams will break away to begin their volunteer activities.

I encourage all citizens of Eatonville and the surrounding areas to join us for a morning of service on Sept. 9. What a great way to give back to a community that works so hard to support one another.

Emmy Lay is one of the coordinators of this year’s 9-11 Day of Service and Remembrance in Eatonville.