Alleyways have been cleaned and been re-graveled for better access. Tons and tons of green waste have been removed and taken to Ogden City’s green waste facility, and tons and tons of materials and debris have been taken to the Weber County transfer station. This has all happened under the cooperation of GREAT community leaders. The miracle of this work is on each day of service, thousands of volunteers from this valley have come to help. They come from religious groups, different high school sports teams, Weber State University, United Way, young single adults, single adults, businesses bring employees that want to volunteer, and neighbors helping neighbors has been inspiring. Young and old come to do their part. Volunteers not only offer willing hearts and hands but also bring equipment that they expertly operate. Many businesses have donated gravel, oversized equipment, dump trucks and employees to help with large jobs. Over 13,000 volunteers have helped with this quiet movement that very few know about.

This ongoing initiative will change attitudes and hearts as it cleans up Ogden City for years to come. There are no words of thanks that express the appreciation for the effort Ogden City leaders and employees have put into this great work. The city supports a meeting every other week with My Hometown leadership from spring to fall. Projects are talked about, safety issues discussed, police and fire departments are outstanding, Ogden City managers and employees give their time and resources, and then the magic happens one project at a time, with thousands of helping hands until it spreads across a significant portion of downtown Ogden. Thousands of volunteers finish this work with gratitude in their hearts and smiles on their faces. Thank you, Ogden City, for your vision, support and the courage to care for My Hometown Ogden.

John Watson is city chair of My Hometown Ogden. His wife is Sherrie Watson.