‘Day of Unity’ brings Yuma community together

Close to 300 volunteers participated in the city’s third annual “Day of Unity” which brought Yuma and it’s community members together.

City Council Member Karen Watts said, “I think it means that it’s important. And that Yuma comes together when asked.”

Volunteers cleaned homes for the elderly, and tidied up vacant lots and painted walls. Yuma Mayor, Douglas Nicholls said the event strengthened the bond between the city and its people.

“About recognizing the people of Yuma who really have a lot of specific pride. And we work together side by side with people we come across. There’s really not a whole lot of division as far as within the community. But we look to reinforce that,” said Nicholls.

Volunteers also took part in a graffiti clean-up which Yuma Chief of Police, John Lekan said will discourage those who commit the crime.

“The main things you can do about graffiti is you get it down as fast as you can. Any graffiti that stays on longer than 24-hours is just a big advertisement. IF we can eliminate it quickly it basically is the number one formula for limiting it,” said Lekan.

The event wrapped up with all those who participated, leaving their mark on a mural as a reminder that the city is unified with people from all walks of life.

Mayor Nicholls said of the mural, “Their handprints are going to be the leaves. And it really kind of unifies the community. All the leaves are all over the place. We all contribute to the beauty of the tree. And that’s kind of the indelible mark that we’re leaving on the community in that mural.”