When you imagine ideal weather for outdoor activities, Oct. 21 was picture-perfect. Aramark and City Year’s Care Force enjoyed the 70-degree day at the Buckner Children’s Campus in East Dallas while completing major service projects. The excitement to be participating in the annual ABC (Aramark Building Community) Day of service was palpable from the group of 100 volunteers.

Typically, the Aramark volunteers have the chance to serve at Buckner every year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their annual ABC Day in 2020 was put on hold. Being back at the campus for the first time since 2019 was exciting for all.

“We loved being able to be at Buckner for our annual Aramark Building Community Day," said Andrew Levy, regional Vice President of Aramark. "One of our goals at Aramark is to contribute to the greater good through building vibrant communities and Buckner is such a great partner in that effort. They have such an incredible impact on the lives and communities in Dallas, and we are so happy to be able to contribute. We truly value the partnership with Buckner and are very much looking forward to the next project.”

Projects this year spread across the campus. Volunteers worked together to build benches and tables in shaded areas for families to enjoy meals together. Other volunteers constructed a new playground for kids to enjoy. The play area was revamped with signs hanging from the fencing, fresh staining and paint on benches, and even a new pathway from the building to safely get to the playground.

Volunteers also had fun building a cornhole game set to add to the new gardening area for families to enjoy. These beautification projects will create spaces for clients and families to spend meaningful time outdoors with their children. 

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