One Community One Day returns

April 10, 2025

By Daniel Moctezuma

The Belton Journal

Rainy weather didn’t stop more than 60 volunteers from showing up to the Harris Community Center Saturday, April 5th to take part in One Community One Day, a citywide service event organized by the Belton Youth Advisory Commission and the City of Belton.

Groups were assigned to 15 homes across the city to assist residents, most of them elderly or disabled, with yard work, minor outdoor repairs and general beautification.

"I’m hoping we’re able to help those people not only when it’s rainy and cold like this,” said Finn Mauk, a member of the Youth Advisory Commission, “but also when they’re just not able to on their own, whether it’s because of age or physical limitations.”

This year’s projects included weeding flower beds, cutting branches and removing bulk trash.

“I really hope this helps build a meaningful connection between the people of Belton and the residents we’re helping,” said Kira Woods, chair of the Youth Advisory Commission. “I hope it brings everybody together.” 

Before heading to assigned locations, volunteers were given safety reminders, such as avoiding ladder work due to the wet ground. A QR code provided directions to each house, and tools were available behind the center.

Recreation coordinator Kyle Velasco said the event has been held for about 10 years and continues to grow. 

“We’re just happy the volunteers actually showed up,” Velasco said. “More than 60 people of this community came out and said, rain or shine, we’re still going to help.”

Velasco said most homeowners served this year were older or disabled. Volunteers were matched with locations in advance through submitted requests.

He added that future events may include new projects.

“We hope to be able to do more than just mowing lawns and trimming branches,” he said. “Maybe painting fences, planting or even murals.”

More information about upcoming service events is available at beltontexas. gov.