Folsom Community Service Day success: 2,000+ volunteers, 7,140 work hours, 80 projects

More than 2,000 volunteers turned in 7,140 work hours at 80 projects during the 12th annual Folsom Community Service Day on Sept. 20. The Folsom City Council received a wrap-up review of the effort Oct. 14 from Steering Committee Chair Sandy Econome and Parks & Recreation Services Manager Tom Hellmann. "We had a fabulous day once again. Thank you so much for your support for this amazing day," Econome told the council. She said 1,785 volunteers serving on 80 projects wasn't all. "That's just the day of. We also had additional folks doing prep work beforehand that are not in this count," said Econome, estimating about 2,000 people participated overall. "That was phenomenal." Hellman said 7,140 hours were compiled volunteering all over town, or roughly $250,000 of regular labor work. "That's roughly what it would have cost us," said Econome. "Folsom Community Service Day is unique in that it's so large, and people get the opportunity to give back," said Hellmann. Community Service Day includes a citywide food drive for Twin Lakes Food Bank. More than 400 volunteers dropped off empty grocery bags and a "wish list" on every doorstep in Folsom one week before Sept. 20. More than 23 tons of food, or 38,805 meals, were gathered. "There were so many bags out," said Econome. "I was impressed on my street to see so many bags out that morning." Other totals included $135,000 in cash or in-kind sponsorships, 44 "Neighbors Helping Seniors" projects were completed and 16 pints of blood donated. The regular Donation Drive also gathered 30 bikes, 59 purses, 132 items of school supplies, 400 happy smile toys, four bins of holiday wrapping and a truckload of pet shelter supplies. Four large totes of items were also gathered for Jake's Journey Home, a non-profit supporting unhoused Veterans and others. Peter Gemellaro, a representative for District 3 Congressman Kevin Kiley, attended the Oct. 14 meeting to present the committee a congressional certificate honoring the effort. "It's the spirit of volunteerism that makes a difference. Neighbors helping neighbors is the essence of what a community is all about," said Gemellaro.