Monday, August 11, 2014

The Art of Giving Back






Every summer, Officer Debbie Boles (front row with the cool shades on) and Site Coordinator Earl Silas(back right with fatigue bucket hat) put together a community service project to teach a group of at-risk youth how to appreciate the art of giving back.  It’s an essential part of the police department’s Sulphur Springs RICH House summer camp.  This year, Silas and Boles expanded the community service project, so young campers could also learn the importance of showing their respect for those who are no longer with us.  They rounded up a group of 20 campers and set out to beautify the Robles-Bourquardez Cemetery, a historic site on East Sligh Avenue.  Although it’s just steps away from a busy road, this small cemetery often goes unnoticed and in need of some “TLC.” 

The Clean City Department and several adult mentors gave the kids a hand with clearing away layers of overgrown foliage that was covering the burial ground.  The campers spent  7 hours  mowing, trimming and pulling weeds(replace with then or and) at the end of the day they were able to look around and see the fruits of their labor.  For the first time in a long time, you could walk through the site and see each individual grave plot.  The kids headed back to their safe haven in “The Springs” with a sense of pride and reassurance that they are capable of making a noticeable difference in the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Robles-Bourquardez Cemetery, please visit



Blog Contributor: Janelle McGregor, Media Relations

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