By Kylie Buck

Shovels, rakes, hammers, love, hope, and compassion: components that every community needs to thrive; however, without the willingness of people to volunteer time and effort, these components will never be fulfilled. What started out to be a bleak work-filled summer quickly transitioned into an experience of happiness and gratification.
The homeless community in Petaluma is growing. Committee on the Shelterless, the local homeless shelter, owns homes around Petaluma that house families while they save money and build credit before finding a more permanent home; however, these houses are in inadequate condition.
For families struggling to recover from economic hardships, a warm, comforting home is vital.
The backyard of the house I visited was a mess: weeds grew ruthlessly in the yard; dirt and leaves lingered leisurely on the cracked furniture; piles of rotting wood, fallen tree branches, and broken toys lay hazardously in the corner of the yard; the lack of spirit and hope echoed in the solemn air.
I immediately wanted to help, and recruited friends to renovate the bleak yard into a cozy extension of the house.
We drew a blue print of everything we wanted to accomplish. Once we had established our goals and constructed a supply list we began to solicit donations.
Family, friends, and strangers were all willing to donate time, money, and items to help improve the house. We searched Craig’s List and yard sales to find toys and patio furniture.
Local businesses, such as Sonomarin Landscaping generously donated garden materials.
After weeks of searching for donations and hours of sanding, staining, and cleaning, we were ready to begin work on the yard.
We pulled weeds and raked leaves. We tore up the runners along the edge of the fence and replaced them with new ones along with fresh soil and mulch. We built a wooden box filled with soil that we planted with vegetables for the family garden. We supplied the yard with patio furniture and myriad children’s toys. We created an oasis of relaxation that the four families could escape to when the stress of life became overwhelming.
I worked on this project for a total of fifty hours. Each hour brought a sense of fulfillment.
When we revealed the yard to the families, their faces were awestruck: they were surprised and thankful for what we had done.
The families thanked us profusely for our efforts and were eager to begin gardening, assuring us that they loved to cook. Happiness and hope were infused into the yard and their lives.
Our efforts were greatly appreciated. The time I took to renovate the yard was small compared to the trials the families faced, but the happiness on their faces was enough payment for my work.
They had been through so much in the previous months and years, but their hearts were still open to hope.
By leading and motivating my group, we were able to provide a sanctuary for these struggling families, and that was enough fulfillment for my summer.

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