City Staff and Fire Department Make a Difference in Monrovia

Mayor Pro Tem Becky Shevlin Participated in Make a Difference Day. – Courtesy photo / City of Monrovia

On Oct. 27, the City of Monrovia staff, off-duty Monrovia Fire Department volunteers, Monrovia CERT program members, fire cadets, and fire explorers, in partnership with the Volunteer Center of the San Gabriel Valley (“VCSGV”), participated in the 28^th Annual Make a Difference Day. Each year, the event harnesses the power of hundreds of volunteers to complete a variety of community improvement projects throughout the city.

“This event would not be such a success if it was not for the partnerships that we have with the various organizations in the city,” said Penny Arroyo, executive director of the VCSGV. “It is inspiring to see volunteers come together for no other reason than to make a positive change in someone’s life.”

In just under four hours, the police and public services department participated in the beautification of Recreation Park, Kiwanis Park at Grand Avenue and the Mary Wilcox Youth Center by laying mulch, planting trees and hand weeding landscaped areas.

Monrovia Fire Department assessed 105 residences and installed 45 smoke detectors in 17 homes. – Courtesy photo / City of Monrovia

Additionally, the Monrovia Fire Department assessed 105 homes and installed 45 smoke detectors in 17 homes, impacting nearly 65 residents. The effort focused on assisting residents who live in the area between California Avenue to the west and Shamrock Avenue to the east, and between Cypress Avenue to the north and the I-210 Freeway to the south. Many of the alarms were installed in homes with elderly adults and children that either had inoperable devices or lacked fire detectors. For the homes that had properly working smoke alarms, the team provided home safety information and discussed the importance of having a family plan in case of an emergency.

“It is an honor to be a part of this community celebration,” said Tina Cherry, director of public services. “Working with the staff at the VCSGV and all the amazing volunteers is a joy! This is what makes Monrovia such a special place to live, work and play!”

Make a Difference Day not only allows for incredible work to be done throughout the city, but for the community to unite and truly make a difference. To learn more about how you can volunteer for future events, visit vcsgv.org. If you are interested in volunteering with the City of Monrovia, visit cityofmonrovia.org/jobs and click on the volunteer opportunities tab.