Multiple groups of Idahoans across the Treasure Valley came together Saturday, Nov. 12, for Rake Up Caldwell, including College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Law Enforcement program! Students, faculty, and staff joined forces with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office to help rake and clean up around homes.
Rake Up Caldwell is a community volunteer effort to assist elderly and disabled citizens in the city to clean up their yards in preparation for the winter months.
Several students from CWI's Law Enforcement class volunteered in this year's event and even brought some of their family to join in on the effort. While it was cold and windy, those who volunteered walked away feeling proud, especially after seeing how thankful the homeowners were to receive the help.
"My favorite part of the day was seeing my family work side-by-side with our students and their families and members of the Sheriff’s Office, as everyone selflessly gave their Saturday to help those in need within our community," said Law Enforcement program Senior Coordinator, Kelli Crawforth. "One of the students stated she could have been at home sitting on the couch doing nothing, but she was so happy to bring her children out to share in this opportunity and was thankful she participated."
Students with CWI's Law Enforcement program are required to participate in two community volunteer events each year. This year, students will be required to participate in Shop-With-A-Cop and will take a day to clean up a section of a highway the program has adopted for Adopt-A-Highway.
However, Rake Up Caldwell was not mandatory, and was optional for students to participate.
"As public servants, it is important for our students to be out assisting the communities in which they serve, especially in a volunteer role," Crawforth said. "The communities and people we serve need to know we care about them and we’re there for them on all levels of their needs."
