Florence, AZ – The Florence Community Services Department is excited to host Florence’s Annual Make a Difference Day event on Saturday, October 28th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This year’s community and beautification projects include:

Poston Butte – Volunteers will paint the “F” at Poston Butte and clean up trash at the entrance and along the trails.

Florence Community Garden – Volunteers will pull weeds from the garden, harvest crops, re-plant winter crops, trim trees, and remove metal framing.

Florence Memorial Park – Volunteers will dispose of trash and debris along all the main roads and alleys. Town staff will load debris bags and haul them to the dumpster.

Feed the Eagle – Volunteers will rake and pick up piles of debris around the Veteran’s Memorial Plaza.

Senior Assistance – Volunteers will assist four senior citizens with yard work that do not have the resources or ability to complete independently.

Pretty up Picnic Tables – Volunteers will wipe down the picnic tables and playground equipment at Main Street Park, Padilla Park, and Heritage Park.

Love our Local Heroes – On Florence Makes a Difference Day, we will have supplies for community members to write thank you letters to our local heroes serving in the United States Military. Community Members can also make cards independently and bring them down to the Community Center by October 30 and Community Services staff will send the letters off.

Parking Lot Pick up – The Senior Center and Community Center parking lots welcome many guests throughout the year. We want to ensure we create a clean and inviting feeling for our guests. Volunteers will sweep and rake up debris and pick up any trash found at the parking lots.

Historic District Trash Clean-Up – Volunteers will pick up trash, remove weeds, and sweep sidewalks along the public areas of the Town of Florence Historic District. 

Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds Paint Party and Clean up – Assist in painting the picnic tables at the Rodeo Grounds. If time permits, volunteers will assist in weed and debris removal from the grounds.

Senior Meal Delivery – Senior Center Staff will prepare and deliver meals to homebound seniors on Florence Makes a Difference Day.

Holiday Meal Delivery – Starting on Florence Makes a Difference Day, the Community Center will be a drop-off point for the community to donate 300 cans of corn for the Holiday Meal Delivery program for Thanksgiving Meals, organized by the Florence Ecumenical Council. The Community Services Department will collect canned corn up until November 17th. Several other organizations within the community will also be gathering supplies to contribute to this program:

  • Pinal County Federal Credit Union – 300 boxes of stuffing
  • LGI Homes – 300 boxes of instant potatoes
  • Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce – 300 cans of green beans

On November 20th, these meals will be packaged and delivered, and the Florence Ecumenical Council is seeking volunteers to help with this process. This incredible effort will also be extended to provide Christmas meals. To make this initiative a success, more companies are needed to step up and contribute 300 items, including dinner rolls, canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, canned sweet potatoes, and more. For additional information and to get involved, please contact Lina Austin at the Future Forward Foundation via phone at (520) 313-2134 or email at futureforward@cox.net. Your support will make a meaningful difference in our community.

Can’t attend the event but still want to Make a Difference? Use this day to clean your own yard or help a neighbor complete an act of kindness to help beautify Florence. There will be two 30-yard roll-off dumpsters at the Viney Jones Library and Community Center Parking lot, and two at Fire Station two from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or until they are filled. The roll-offs will be available to Florence residents only and proof of residency will be required.

Finally, there will be a Florence Makes a Difference Day appreciation lunch for all volunteers beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Heritage Park!

We would like to thank all the volunteers and civic organizations who plan on attending this event for their commitment to making a positive difference in our community.