9 : Cleanup Day / Visiting The: Sick

By sunset, the village was spotless, and Mr. Henderson’s garden was restored. Lila realized that while picking up litter improved the view, and looking out for one another was what truly polished the heart of the community. Henderson?

Lila looked at her empty bags, then at Sam. "Cleanup Day isn't just about the park, right? It's about the people." 9 : Cleanup Day / Visiting the Sick

An hour later, a small group of volunteers diverted from the main square to Mr. Henderson’s cottage. While half the group set to work weeding his flower beds and raking the lawn, Lila and Sam went to the front door. They left a basket on the porch filled with homemade chicken soup from the community kitchen and a "Get Well" card signed by dozens of neighbors. By sunset, the village was spotless, and Mr

"Yeah," Sam sighed. "But I just heard about Mr. Henderson. He’s been down with a nasty flu for a week. He couldn't come out today, and you know how much he loves Cleanup Day." Henderson

"Hey Sam! Finished with the recycling station?" Lila asked, wiping her hands.

Lila, armed with a sturdy pair of work gloves and a bright orange trash bag, was assigned to the "Green Team." Her job was to clear the overgrown brambles and litter from the park trail. By noon, her forehead was damp with sweat, but the trail looked pristine. As she tied off her third bag, she saw her friend Sam approaching, looking uncharacteristically somber.