Edmond youth ‘Make a Difference’

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Published: October 29, 2009

Editor’s Note: Edmond Mayor Patrice Douglas will write an occasional guest column for The Oklahoman’s Edmond/State section.

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The energy and vitality of youth. We wish we could harness it. Sometimes, when my two big rowdy sons are wrestling in the den, I wish I could slow it down. Last Saturday, on Edmond’s Make a Difference Day, we took advantage of it.

It was the boundless energy of more than 200 young people that completed 15 projects in our area parks. Our teen board, Edmond Involved, planned the event and collected the donations of food, entertainment and water. United Way pitched in and provided T-shirts. Our local philanthropic groups had booths to show the limitless volunteer opportunities available to Edmond kids.

Never before in recent memory have so many showed up to "Make a Difference.” On this national day of "doing good,” Edmond has done different projects — all beneficial to our city.

But Saturday, the volunteers just kept appearing. Little league football teams like the Edmond Raiders showed up with shovels to fill holes at Mitch Park. The Oaktree Neighborhood kids picked up trash. The Edmond Soccer Club, Rugby Club and Lacrosse Club showed up ready and willing, completing projects on our sand volleyball court and our youth sports fields. High school students from all three area high schools trekked mulch to our trails at Bickham-Rudkin Park.

Most overwhelming was the masses of Oklahoma Christian University athletes who came to be a positive influence on younger kids. Curtis Janz, the athletic director, and his coaches brought more than 100 college students, representing all sports at OC. Jason Taylor, an outstanding OC basketball player, helped with everything from setting up to cooking hamburgers.

Why focus on youth volunteerism? Our three high schools raised more than $660,000 last year for charity. The Fine Arts Institute of Edmond has a teen board that organizes entire concerts.

Our kids have great potential, and they want to give back. If we give them a chance, they see the difference they can make here.

They invested in their hometown of Edmond. And we hope when they are adults and raising kids of their own they will choose Edmond.