Officials say Ozark Make a Difference Day a success

OZARK - Beautification projects took place throughout Ozark on Saturday as residents worked to make another Make A Difference Day worthwhile.
Organizers said projects at every school, at some parks, at Ed Lisenby Lake and the Flowers Center involved a number of volunteers from Ozark and Fort Rucker who helped clean and repair facilities. Volunteers said they met around 8 a.m. and worked until noon, when they were served lunch at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Ozark.
Make a Difference Day co-chair Frank Phillips said this year also included a food and book drive for the Dale County Rescue Mission.
“The rescue mission has already expressed a need for extra food this Thanksgiving. The response in the past had been pretty incredible, so we were hopeful for the same success,” he said.
Phillips said chairs for this year’s events were Jack and Fay Swinehart and another co-chair was Phillip’s wife, Martha.
Volunteers included students from Ozark City Schools.
Carroll High School Senior Chris Griffin, a member of Future Business Leaders of America, worked with other students and sponsors to clean a landscaping project at the high school.
“It feels great because you really do make a difference and everyone can benefit. It also shows school spirit,” he said.
FBLA sponsor Cindy Smith said the projects were an opportunity for students to give back to their community.
“It’s a thrill for them to participate,” she said.