Hundreds of volunteers show out in support of Good Neighbor Day 2021

Volunteers surround Elizabeth “Betty” Hewlett, chairwoman for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Parks and Recreation, (middle with flowers) for a photo after she was honored for her continued service to Good Neighbor Day events. (John Little/The Black Explosion)

Participants in Saturday’s Good Neighbor Day beautified the grounds of Hollywood Elementary School in College Park, Md. UMD students connected with citizens and representatives of the City of College Park in the annual event that typifies service to one’s community. 

At Hollywood Elementary, the goal was to beautify the grounds. Volunteers groomed trees, mowed the lawn, and swept the sidewalks. Participants even constructed a small “outdoor library” by digging a hole for a post and assembling a wooden box in which to place the books. 

 President Darryll Pines arrived to greet, give comments and volunteer. He, along with city council member for District 1 Fazlul Kabir commemorated the partnership between the university and the city in which it resides. Afterwards, President Pines could be seen on hands and knees grabbing debris and tending bushes.

“It is about service,” President Pines said as he thanked QUEST Honors students for attending. He emphasized that they are “more than just representatives of the university but also citizens of College Park.” They serve the community in which they live.

Civicus UMD, a living and learning program focused on community service, also participated. Samaura Steele, a sophomore business marketing major in Civicus, said about 13 students from the program came to serve on Saturday.

“It’s beautiful already around here,” Steele said of Hollywood Elementary. “The only way to make it more beautiful is by having everyone here who cares about it make it into an even better place.” 

Volunteers work in the bushes at Hollywood Elementary pulling leaves and weeds as they beautify the school grounds. (John Little/The Black Explosion)

Steele spoke of service especially at an elementary school as a passion of hers. Caleb Austin, a freshman environmental science major shared that sentiment. 

“I’m here because it’s my passion,” said Austin. He raked more leaves and added “I know a lot of people here go to UMD and also have a passion for environmental stuff so I’d like to build a connection.” 

Throughout the area, students and residents worked in the community. Good Neighbor Day had 14 in-person sites and six virtual workshops on Saturday, according to the Office of Community Engagement. 

Since 2012, Good Neighbor Day has had more than 3000 volunteers and 70 service projects, all with the goal to “beautify shared spaces, educate and engage in sustainable practices, and take pride in Greater College Park.”