When student and ASPIRE member Melliza Malabanan volunteered last year at Little Angels as part of Comcast Cares Day it was her first time volunteering with the organization and she enjoyed it so much she wanted to volunteer again.

“I just enjoy being able to make a difference, no matter how big or small to the livelihood of others.”said Malabanan.

On April 30, ASPIRE members along with several members of the Elgin Community came together at Little Angels home for Exceptional Care for Comcast Cares Day. Before everyone got to work, Elgin Councilwoman Rose Martinez read a proclamation from the mayor who could make it to the event, that declared April 30, Comcast Cares Day in Elgin.

Comcast Cares day has been a tradition for ASPIRE for years and President Miguel Garcia wanted to keep the tradition going.

“Its the opportunity to serve the community without getting anything back other than satisfaction.” said Garcia.

People were then split into different groups some people went out to the garden to do some spring cleaning, some of the jobs included cleaning off the benches of bird poop, planting new flowers in the gardens, and washing the windows. The younger volunteers blew bubbles near the windows of the patients.

“I’m really glad that the residents there will be able to see the beautiful flowers grow and bloom once the weather gets warmer.” said ASPIRE Publicity Officer Darlene Sandoval.

It was ASPIRE Vice President Andres Garcia first time volunteering and after the day ended he said he would do it again in a heartbeat.

“I think that it was a great experience. I met new people I helped out a great cause and I learned new things with people I care about.” said Garcia

They were also encouraging people to take jars to collect donations for the organization. Some were decorated and had pictures of residents, some were blank and people could decorate it however they please.

At the end of the day each volunteer got a red nose in promotion of Red Nose Day which Comcast sponsors.

For Sandoval volunteering meant helping make the place better for the residents and the employees there.

“We volunteered there in order to allow the workers and residents an easier time to do daily activities and therapy. It might have been a minor thing to some people, but I know it means a lot of the worker and residents who live there.” said Sandoval.

ASPIRE hopes that there are more volunteers from the college in the future. So then they can impact the community in which they go to school in.

“I hope they continue and that more people get involved and that we can impact more areas in the community this way.” said Malabanan.