East Sanford Block Party makes a difference on McIver!

SANFORD, N.C. –Around 150 volunteers got down and dirty Saturday April 28 2012 for the East Sanford Block Party. Leaders, citizens, local realtors, the Boy Scouts, the 4H club, members of Shallow Well Church, First Congregational Christian Church, First Baptist Church, and Prevailing Life Christian Center worked together to clean-up McIver Street between the section of Market and Seventh. Total, twenty-nine houses experienced a make-over in landscaping, painting or home repairs.

The Block Party couldn’t have happened without help from the Sanford Area Association of Realtors. In addition to the labor, representatives from that group got several items donated by area businesses, including $1,200 in materials from Lowes Home Improvement of Sanford. First Baptist Church contributed by serving breakfast, whereas members of the First Congregational Christian Church prepared and served lunch. The Temple Teens also helped by serenading the audience during lunch.

This was the second year for the event. Last year the City of Sanford, New Hope Baptist Church and others targeted Charlotte Avenue. At present, Maple Avenue is expected to be the focus point for 2013. Community Development Manager, Karen Kennedy, anticipates the project will happen again in the spring time between the areas of Third and Seventh. This event was in conjunction with the Mayor's Housing Task Force.