Champions step up to help those in need Saturday

On Saturday the ideal of community service will have a very public demonstration.
 
Some 150 coaches and athletes from Arizona Western College will join with another 150 volunteers from eight businesses - Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, Circle K, Outback Steakhouse, KBLU radio, STAR 100.9 FM radio and KTTI FM radio - to do good deeds around the community.
 
The 40 community projects are scattered around the area in Yuma, Somerton, San Luis and Wellton. The common theme is that someone needs help and it will be provided by the 300 volunteers.
 
Called Day of Champions, the annual event has been held since 2005, starting originally as a way for the athletes at the college to learn about teamwork and to give back to the community. It kicks off the academic and athletic year.
 
"Athletics is not just about competition but also about helping to better the community," said AWC's new football coach, Tom Minnick.
 
Community partners have since joined the effort, spreading the concept of community service.
 
This kind of volunteer effort is not limited to Day of Champions, of course. It occurs year-round in our community as individuals and groups reach out to help others.
 
Often this help is provided in a low-profile way, perhaps one person helping another.
 
At other times, help is sought from the community as a whole to achieve goals. An example of this is the effort to build a play area in the Yuma West Wetlands park, which involved hundreds of volunteers over a number of days.
 
The fact that this happens is a tribute to our community. Day of Champions will confirm we live in a community where volunteering is valued.