On the afternoon of May 25, 2010, 14 volunteers from KeyBank brightened the Christel House Academy campus with their red t-shirts, glowing smiles, and can-do attitudes. This day, coined "Neighbors Make the Difference Day," marked the 20th year in which KeyBank has put into action its philosophy that "Community is Key" by offering the time and talents of dozens of its employees. Christel House Academy is grateful to have been included this year in such an immense and heartfelt demonstration of generosity.

The volunteers were not the only sources of brightness on campus that day, as the sun was out and extremely intense. The weather man promised a high of 87 degrees, and Mother Nature did not disappoint. The jobs lined up for our KeyBank volunteers were challenging to say the least. Despite the heat and arduous tasks, the volunteers enthusiastically worked until the job was done.

What was perhaps most inspiring was the way the group worked together...more like a family than a team of co-workers. The Academy campus benefited from this camaraderie most of all, and at the end of the day, the KeyBank family managed to remove 3 dead trees, fill over a dozen large garbage bags with weeds, and ensure the campus was void of trash...all the while laughing, helping and encouraging one another.

The value of KeyBank's volunteers' contributions is immeasurable. They laid the foundation for a June volunteer day that will include upwards of 70-80 volunteers and $6500 in donations. Plans for the big day include building picnic tables, planting perennials, laying mulch, pruning trees, clearing brush, etc.. If not for KeyBank's extraordinary efforts on the 25th, Christel House Academy still would have much to do to prepare.

Thank you, KeyBank family for brightening the campus of Christel House Academy, the lives of its staff, and students, in more ways than one.

Labels: Academy, KeyBank, service, visitor, Volunteer