The Jerusalem Project volunteers included these youths from Central Baptist Church. Many local residents have used their summer vacation time this year to help others and improve their community. Businesses, groups and churches have made volunteering at the Cherokee Children's Home one of their top priorities.

Polo Factory Store, located at Prime Outlets, declared the third week in June to be "Polo - Ralph Lauren Volunteer Week." Shift managers Shaun Taylor and Deanne Battle led the group in washing the van and buses. Participating were Teresa Hames, Ra'Shanda Kirby, Stephen Smith and Jessica Van Ballegooie. According to everyone at the children's home, they did a great job.

Aeropostale Inc., also from Prime Outlets, sent a group to weed, rake, edge and trim shrubbery in late June. Manager Chris Davis led his group of five: Dashanna Conley, Rusty Fishes, Kayla Flores, Kristie Greene and Sonia Lueras. They made a big improvement in the appearance of the home's front yard.

The Jerusalem Project did much-needed work at the home July 20-24. The youths came from Central Baptist, Providence Baptist and Overbrook Presbyterian. They washed two buses and a van (inside and out). The porch was pressure washed, the yard was cut and trimmed and a lot of weeding was done. The playground area was raked and cleared of limbs and the gutters were cleaned of debris.

Tim Wright, Pastor Scott Peterson with son, Greg, and Michael Webster from Providence Baptist Church were among the Jerusalem Project group that did much-needed work at the home. Many volunteers come to the home on a regular basis. There are three men who help cut the grass and one who does the trimming. Some volunteers come to read to the children, help with homework, play games and go on activities outside the home. There are many tasks that volunteers can help with and more volunteers are needed.

Volunteers who work directly with the children need to have background checks, SLED and Central Registry. These papers can be obtained from Sandra G. Miller, volunteer coordinator, by calling 487- 0177. The papers take three weeks to clear and are good for one year.

Calvin McBee and grandson, Jonathon Richards, from Central Baptist Church tackled some yard work. Volunteers from Polo Factory Store helped at the children's home in early June. They are pictured with Sandra G. Miller, the home's volunteer coordinator.