SPOKANE, Wash. – The Whitworth grounds crew is on a new initiative: give the students working for them real-world experience while giving back to the community.
The 17 student workers did just that Friday, firing up lawnmowers, weed-whackers and cleaning up several yards in the North Central neighborhood.
“Cleaning it up, getting to mow, getting to weed whack, getting to plant new trees. It’s super fun,” said Reeves Oakman, one of the Whitworth Facilities workers.
Irrigation crews, arborists and brute labor chipped in where they could to give a fresh new look to a few yards in need of a helping hand.
One of the people nominated for the yard cleanup was a lifelong volunteer in the community.
Larry Barringer has spent his life giving back to the community. The day after his 70th birthday, he said his gift was watching the community return the favor.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Barringer. “I’m 70 yesterday. I’m not going to be here forever but I like to know that there’s people like these young people from Whitworth College who have that same will to give back to their community and do for others. It gives me hope.”
It’s hard work but the crews enjoyed it, especially after learning about Barringer’s story.
“Yeah man, it’s really sweet. Getting to hear what Larry’s done and his story and the countless lives he’s touched,” Oakman said. “We’re undeserving to come out here and clean up his house.”
Barringer’s yard wasn’t the only one getting a makeover. His next door neighbor, Ken Allen, got a similar treatment.
“I didn’t know anything about the program until my neighbor Larry told me,” Allen said. “I think it’s great what they do to help people like me.”
A team of workers re-paved a new walkway in Allen’s backyard and cleared out the earth taking over the one in the front.
It’s all in a days work for these students, but it means the world to the neighbors.
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