Eight hundred volunteers from nearly 50 different companies pitched in for United Way's day of caring, transforming the SOS Villages in Coconut Creek.
“There are 67 children who live here who are in the foster care system. And one way or another the system has really failed them,” said Kathleen Cannon, the president and CEO of the United Way of Broward, about the foster care village.
The children were sent to camp for the weekend. When they come home on Sunday, they will return to newly decorated surroundings, from the landscaping to newly painted walls and even murals.
"We are transforming their bedrooms and we are providing new beds and bed linens, and there's going to be a note on everyone's bed welcoming them home,” Cannon said.
Foster Care Children, Now Grown, Tell Their Stories
On Friday, it was the volunteers who were getting the most joy, as they made an impact in the lives of children they will never see, or get the chance to meet.
"I hope once they come home, their eyes light up, and they see how nice the house looks and how wonderful of a job we've done for them,” said Wayne Hunsucker a volunteer from Frito-Lay.
The workers will be gone by Sunday, leaving a refurbished, cleaner place for the kids to call home.
"It is pretty heartwarming every day around here, just to see the way that folks show their compassion and caring by really doing something – something that makes a difference,” said Keith Duvernay, the CEO of SOS Children’s Villages.
