In times of adversity, the strength of a community lies in its ability to unite, support, and uplift one another. Sometimes, in moments of pain, loneliness and despair, people need a helping hand. Through the city’s Let's Pull Together program – an example of neighbors helping neighbors – Chandler's spirit of compassion shines brightly, and its impact reverberates throughout the community.
Let’s Pull Together helps connect residents in need with volunteers who wish to serve others and give back to their community. The program aims to assist those who may struggle with physical limitations, financial constraints, or other challenges in maintaining portions of their properties. Local seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, families facing hardships and others are matched with individuals or groups of volunteers who wish to serve by helping these residents with basic property maintenance and tasks, sometimes to comply with city codes.
“It’s not easy for people to ask for help. Whether it's for emotional, physical, mental, financial reasons or whatever the case is, it doesn’t really matter; if they're asking for help, we want them to know that there are people in the community who care and want to serve,” said Tawna Mower, Chandler’s neighborhood preservation analyst.
“I will get calls and emails from individuals, families, church groups, and work teams looking for opportunities to give back to the community through public service. I will also receive phone calls and emails from residents who are needing assistance of some sort, or referrals from certain city departments that have identified residents with needs,” Mower said. “Our goal with Let’s Pull Together is to match these terrific volunteers with these residents so that their home maintenance needs get addressed in a timely manner and at no cost to them.”
Projects include basic yard care, exterior painting, removing unwanted items, minor fence repairs, and more. Volunteers only assist with areas that can be accessed through public rights of way. “We're not going inside of people's homes or in backyards. We're helping with front yards, carports and alleyways if they have them,” Mower said. “Maybe their yard is inundated with weeds, or they have shrubs and trees that need to be trimmed.”
These projects can occur any day of the week and can be completed in less than a day. The impact of these projects is profound, enhancing not just the physical appearance of properties but also fostering a sense of pride and dignity among recipients. Some projects require a small team of volunteers and others just an individual or two.
“We've had people who needed somebody to come and repair an irrigation sprinkler or show them how to set their sprinkler timing control box. It can also be as simple as a volunteer replacing a light bulb on the porch or showing a teen how to properly use a leaf blower” Mower added, “It's really very simple, we want to help you.”
There is no shortage of people who need assistance, and there is always a need for volunteers; year-round, but especially during the spring growing season. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Let's Pull Together program, and getting involved is straightforward. Interested individuals, families, school groups, church groups, and businesses can reach out to the City of Chandler's Neighborhood Programs Office at 480-782-4348. Once registered, volunteers receive notifications about upcoming projects and can choose to participate based on their availability.
Mower shared the story of one young woman who called in. Her husband had passed away suddenly, and she was several months pregnant at the time. “Her yard was overgrown, and she was dealing with so much; things much more important than an out-of-control weed problem,” Mower said. “She didn't want to ask for help or wasn't even thinking about it, but it finally got to the point where she was simply overwhelmed, and she called us. Of course, we got a wonderful team of volunteers out there and cleaned up her yard.”
There are many local businesses that have stepped up to help with employee service days, such as recent projects completed by Home Depot and Target employees. A newer trend is people celebrating a birthday and instead of throwing a party they invite their friends and family to join them for a day of service through the Let’s Pull Together program.
“Nothing makes me happier than knowing there are people in our community that care enough to help people they don’t even know,” Mower said. “That is just the epitome of what selfless service is. I find that you never feel better than when you're serving others.”