Volunteers SHOUT their support for community
Published 12:00 am Monday, August 29, 2005
Don't let the name fool you, the dozens of volunteers coating the curbs in yellow weren't SHOUTing, but they were speaking out to promote the community.
More than 50 volunteers from Russell Christian Church in Kentucky, and First Baptist Church and Ironton Central Christian painted curbs across the city, especially near the schools, as part of the annual SHOUT - Servants Helping Others Using Talents program.
In its fifth year, volunteers battled the heat but that didn't stop them from putting in a full day.
"The program is not a fundraiser," Ken Aulen, event organizer, said in written statement. "Our only goal is to make our communities better places to live and work through hundreds of hours of voluntary service."
"I wanted to help out the community, help fix everything up," said Alex Powell, 12, of Bellefonte, Ky.
Kelsie Fraley, 13, agreed with her friend.
"I just wanted to help out," she said.
Groups of volunteers also worked on a variety of projects across the river in Kentucky but Ironton Mayor John Elam was happy to see them here.
"We appreciate the churches and the community members that are assisting the city with various projects.
There have been so many groups to step up, from Randy Lilly and his volunteer, the friends of Ironton, church groups, SHOUT.
It is very encouraging that the community is rallying together to show such support for Ironton. And they continue to rally together."