CANTON - Employees from across the United Helpers organization came together to clean up Village Park in Canton, as well as the playground area across the street at the First Presbyterian Church.

Roughly a dozen people spent two hours raking leaves,  sticks, and picking up trash.

“I was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish in just a short period of time,” said United Helpers Marketing Manager Jordan Downing-Duke.

Chief Operating Officer Stacey Cannizzo said the project was part of the organization’s efforts to give back during their 125th anniversary year.

“Celebrating 125 years is an incredible accomplishment, but it’s one that would not be possible if it weren’t for the support we have received from our friends and neighbors from across the region,” she said. “For that, we are thankful.”

Mrs. Cannizzo said United Helpers is also planning to complete a service project in the Ogdensburg area at some point this year.

“While United Helpers has a presence in many communities across St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties, it is safe to say that Canton and Ogdensburg have always served as our home base. We are honored to call these communities home, and we are glad that we could do something to help give back to the people and places who have given us so much over the years.”

To learn more about United Helpers and the organization’s history, visit www.unitedhelpers.org/about-us.