Organized by the Assembly Organization at Cummins, the team spent the day painting ceilings, a hallway divider, and refreshing two heavily-used rooms in the WASU building. The effort aimed to create a cleaner, more welcoming environment for the local youth who utilize the facility daily.

The transformation was immediate and deeply appreciated.

“It was amazing to watch the transformation,” said Pam Falber, director of the Warren Area Student Union. “The rooms look fantastic, and the students, board members, and I are incredibly grateful for the effort and heart these volunteers put into the project.”

Volunteers arrived on-site at 10 a.m. and worked through the afternoon until 2:30 p.m., splitting into groups that tackled painting in the library and the office, while others took on the hallway divider. While the bulk of the work was completed by the end of the day, a bit more effort is needed to finish the office space. Still, the reaction from students was overwhelmingly positive.

Pictured is one of the volunteers to help paint the room.

“The kids agreed that it looks really nice – so much better than before,” Falber added.

The success of the project was made possible with support from local businesses. Sherwin-Williams in Jamestown, N.Y., donated the paint, and Lowe’s in Warren provided all necessary painting tools and equipment.

The volunteer team included:

Andrew Yeagle, Sharraiah Funkhouser, Brooke Alford, Tammie Van Guilder, Steven Lange, Dylan C. Rohalla, Charles Bowen, Rashad Fofana, Garrett Westervelt, Jody Fitch, Jimmie Porter, Jamie Sharp, and Dave Whitford.

The Day of Caring initiative is a hallmark of Cummins’ community involvement, giving employees the opportunity to step away from their regular roles and engage in service projects that make a tangible impact.

Pictured is one of the rooms that got redone.

“This was more than just paint on the walls,” Falber said. “It was a reminder of what can be achieved when community members come together to make a difference.”

The Warren Area Student Union serves as a safe and enriching environment for youth in the area, offering activities, mentorship, and a space to grow. For more information on WASU or to learn how to get involved, visit their Facebook page or contact the organization directly.