Annually organizing construction event takes place in Worcester, titled Build Day #13
In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, a vibrant community event took place last Sunday on Park Avenue. The stArt on the Street Festival, a celebration of music, dance, and art, was not related to the annual Build Day event, but just a few days earlier, on April 5, 2023, the 13th annual Build Day was hosted by Working for Worcester.
Founded 13 years ago by Jeff Reppucci and Derek Kump, current juniors at the College of the Holy Cross, Working for Worcester is an organisation dedicated to mobilising college students to improve recreation infrastructure and opportunities within Worcester neighbourhoods.
This year, the event saw an estimated 45,000 people impacted over the past 13 years, with a staggering 2.4 million dollars raised and given back to the Worcester community. The work day was expected to begin at 10 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., but many groups stayed a few hours after due to rain delays.
The day began with check-in for volunteers at 8 a.m., followed by remarks from local speakers such as members of the Managing Team, State Representative Dan Donahue '09, and President of the College, Vincent Rougeau. Approximately 1,200 volunteers gathered every year for the event, including Worcester residents and college students from 7 local colleges.
Site managers, a collection of about 100 volunteers who apply for the position in November, lead around 50 members of the community at their assigned location. This year, 23 Holy Cross students made up the entirety of the Managing Team for the event.
One of the highlights of the day was the collaboration between Holy Cross students from the "Global" Montserrat Cluster and Rice Square Elementary School sixth-graders. The students worked together to create art reflecting Worcester's culturally rich identity. While this collaboration was not a part of the Build Day event, it showcases the ongoing commitment of Working for Worcester to fostering community spirit and development.
As the sun set on the 13th annual Build Day, it was clear that the event had once again made a significant impact on the community. With over 25 playgrounds created from scratch by Working for Worcester, the organisation continues to play a vital role in improving the city's recreational infrastructure and opportunities. Working for Worcester will continue to host its annual Build Day next year, providing another opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference.
A Holy Cross student, part of the Managing Team responsible for organizing Build Day, collaborated with Rice Square Elementary School sixth-graders on an art project, creating a vibrant expression of Worcester's cultural identity, separate from the Build Day event.
Students who are passionate about improving their community can participate in events like Working for Worcester's Build Day, where they can dedicate their time to raising funds and building recreational infrastructure, benefiting the local population.
Being a part of Working for Worcester, an organization that brings together students from various colleges on campus, provides opportunities for students to contribute to home-and-garden and outdoor-living projects in Worcester neighborhoods, enhancing the community's lifestyle.
For students seeking news about local community events, Keeping Worcester Informed (KWI), the campus newspaper at College of the Holy Cross, reports on happenings such as the stArt on the Street Festival, outstanding entertainment events that showcase Worcester's artistic side, distinct from annual events like Build Day.
