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PHOTOS: Serve Day draws hundreds of volunteers in Ontario

Liram Bacha applies a fresh coat of paint to playground equipment at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. He was participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

For the ninth year, volunteers stepped forward to help with projects to improve the community as part of Serve Day.

On Saturday, April 30, helpers did everything from paint picnic benches to repair park equipment to cleaning up landscaping. Projects took place in Vale, Ontario and Nyssa in Malheur County and at locations in Payette County as well.

The event is organized by an Ontario nonprofit, Better Together.

“Better Together exists to connect resources and volunteers with the needs in our community in order to improve the area in which we live. We place a high priority on projects that will increase the safety and health of individuals,” according to its website.

Evelyn Dame, Serve Day volunteer coordinator, said in an email to the Enterprise that the organization recorded 986 volunteers. That was equal to pre-pandemic participation and 245 more than in 2021, she said.

“This year we had 55 businesses and organizations participate by putting teams together in addition to the many individuals and families that supported the event. This is an increase of 14 over last year,” said Dame.

“We had wonderful stories and experiences shared by both those receiving the service and those that rendered it,” Dame said. “It is truly a event that unites the community around a common goal of making a positive difference in the communities where we live, work and play.”

Liram Bacha applies a fresh coat of paint to playground equipment at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. He was participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Kyle Jensen and Jone Hansen apply paint to a home on Alameda Drive in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Denny Mendez applies a fresh coat of paint to the merry-go-round at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. He was participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Ruth Garcia applies a fresh coat of paint to the merry-go-round at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. She was participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Ruth Garcia and Denny Mendez apply a fresh coat of paint to the merry-go-round at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Frances Green paints a bench at the Malheur County Fairgrounds in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. She was participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Volunteers dress up picnic tables at the Malheur County Fairgrounds in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Volunteers dress up picnic tables at the Malheur County Fairgrounds in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Volunteers dress up picnic tables at the Malheur County Fairgrounds in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Volunteers dress up picnic tables at the Malheur County Fairgrounds in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Volunteers make repairs to a picnic shelter at Beck-Kiwanis Park in Ontario on Saturday, April 30. They were participating in Serve Day. (The Enterprise/LES ZAITZ)

Contact Editor Les Zaitz: [email protected]

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