The towns of Leeds, Greene and Turner

got a lot of help Friday.
By Jody Goodwin
Special to the Sun Journal

TURNER – Friday’s low temperatures didn’t stop the raking or brush cutting. Windows still got washed, cemeteries cleaned up and roadsides picked up as more than 200 students from Leavitt Area High School took part in Make a Difference Day.

The national community service day has been on the high school’s calendar for more than five years now. Members of the freshman class along with upperclassmen, who serve as project coordinators, all participate in projects throughout the SAD 52 towns of Leeds, Greene and Turner. The project is organized by the volunteer coordinators who work in the district. Materials are donated by area businesses and tools are borrowed so the projects can be accomplished.

Project ideas come from municipal officers, school officials, nonprofit groups as well as residents. Students are organized into work groups, transported by bus and supervised by teachers, counselors, community members and members of the organizations receiving the help.

It is not all outside work, however. Groups of students also work in the primary and elementary grades in the districts four lower schools helping the younger students with special academic projects, reading and math tutoring and art skills.

Some of those participating on Friday helped out at the district’s daycare center and helped school personnel at Turner Primary make up dozens of dental health kits which are given out to the younger students as part of their health curriculum.