Comcast Cares Day is a national initiative with more than 90,000 employees around the country helping to make a difference in places where they live and work. Volunteers from necn and other Comcast companies came together to help communities around New England on Saturday.
In Boston, Comcast, City Year, and a handful of other organizations turned up with about 500 volunteers to make improvements to the Joseph Lee School in the city's Dorchester neighborhood. Necn employees, including Meteorologist Nelly Carreno and Anchor Brian Burnell participated in the service. Volunteers also helped out at the Perkins Community Center and Harambee Park.
Hundreds of volunteers were also in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to help clean up parks, and even help to build a home.
Many pairs of gloves were used to beautify the city. It's part of the Comcast Cares Day, on which volunteers worked to lend a helping hand with cleaning areas like the Pemberton Park.
"Occasionally, when I'm out, in my spare time, I pass by here," said Fernando Grant, who lives nearby. "It feels awesome to be here, and actually looking at the place and just cleaning it up!"
Both young and old picked up trash and leaves. A vacant lot will become a home for two wounded veterans - the Groundworks Organization and Habitat for Humanity used the day of service to make someone's dream of becoming a homeowner possible.
"No combat disabled veteran should be homeless, so we have a multitask on creating these homes for them. It's only begun, and I simply say, 'Welcome home,'" said Joe Hey of the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center.
Smiles were found around Lawrence - even in the early morning low temps. The sea of green shirts made everyone feel proud to give back.
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"I'm helping people in need," said Lawrence resident Jonas Motas. "All my life, I've enjoyed helping other people."
"Coming together on a day like this, it motivates other people," said Mayor Daniel Rivera. "It motivates us to do better every day."
Necn also had a presence in New Hampshire. Anchor Mike Nikitas volunteered his time at MooreMart in Hudson by putting together care packages for United States troops overseas.
