Community Corner

Organizers Look for Volunteers for Poway Spirit Day, Say Event Is More Crucial Than Ever

The annual event is being held on April 16, and organizers hope to score at least 200 volunteers.

It's a day community leaders describe as "critical" and "magnificent" at the same time.

But the day has become ever more important as the recession continues to affect cities across the nation—including Poway.

And organizers hope Poway Spirit Day will draw twice as many volunteers on April 16 than in years past.

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"We've had significant cutbacks at the city level and the school district," said Councilwoman Merrilee Boyack. "We as citizens need to step up, fill in the gaps and do the work that keeps our community with a high quality of life. It truly is just a lot of fun."

Organizers of the annual event—a four-hour volunteer effort spearheaded by the Poway Rotary Club and the Poway Community Association—said at least three Poway groups have already confirmed their commitment to lending a hand.

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And the day is nothing short of volunteer projects.

The event—which started five years ago as a project of the Poway Community Leadership Institute before being adopted by the Poway Rotary Club and now, the Poway Community Association—divvies up volunteers throughout the city. Volunteers assist the city on projects, clean up or paint schools, revamp local parks and assist the elderly Poway community. Organizers said volunteers are assigned to projects based on necessity.

Nazem Agha, chair of this year's event and owner of local , said Sorotomist International of Poway, Poway Kiwanis and Elk's Lodge of Poway have all committed.

He said the fact that all the groups are coming together for one day in support of Poway is symbolic and represents the Powegian spirit. Agha, who has been involved with the event for four years and acts on behalf of the Poway Rotary Club, said he hopes that Poway Spirit Day will eventually become its own event and become a "household" name.

"I've lived in Poway since 1972, and I've seen the changes the city has gone through," he said. "I just hope one day Powegians will be known for the spirit day—that it will become the crowning jewel of Poway."

For Pauline Getz, a local attorney and member of the Rotary Club, it's never been about ensuring Poway has enough volunteers;  she thinks there are plenty of Powegians ready and willing to give back. Getz said it's about giving Powegians an "opportunity."

"I've never thought of it as bringing volunteers together but creating opportunities for volunteers to find their own passion in service," said Getz, who has been active in the event since its creation. "It's critical that we give the people of Poway an opportunity to do something wonderful for their neighbors.

"I think it's critical and I think it's magnificent."

Boyack, who is organizing the volunteer projects and hopes to get at least 200 volunteers this year, said the event is symbolic for what Poway should stand for.

"This is one day where we can all work together to improve our community," Boyack said. "It's just a great opportunity for service in Poway, and it's marvelous to take a day to celebrate our city and give back."

Poway Spirit Day will take place on April 16 from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at the local Boys & Girls Club where it will also conclude with a lunch. Interested volunteers or sponsors should contact Merrilee Boyack at maboyack@gmail.com.


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