More Than 3,000 People Help Nonprofits On Xcel Energy Day Of Service
THORNTON, Colol (CBS4) - In its 5th year, Xcel Energy's Day of Service is bigger than ever.
Held on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Denver metro area and other parts of the state, the event saw more than 3,000 people helping 60 nonprofits.
"This is the largest day that we've had in the last five years," said Holly Velasquez-Horvath, a spokeswoman for Xcel Energy.
One of the nonprofits helped was Colorado Feeding Kids. About 600 volunteers worked out of Century Middle School in Thornton.
"We are packing 150,000 meals today," said David Eves, President of Xcel Energy.
Volunteers include Xcel employees, friends and family, and students.
PHOTO GALLERY: Xcel Energy Day Of Service 2015
"I am just so happy, it makes my heart smile and it makes me feel like I am making a difference in the world," said middle school student Ashlee Ronquillo.
The Xcel Energy Day of Service was started as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"A few of us sat around a table and said, what we can do to make a really big difference all at once,'" Velasquez-Horvath with the company said.
The company wanted to honor those who lost their lives by encouraging employees to spend a few hours giving back. Now it includes employees and anyone in the community who wants to get involved.
Volunteers, young and old, say not only does volunteering help out the community, but it's good to give back.
"We've got the ability, we can, so we do," Drew Wilson, and Xcel Energy employee and volunteer said.
CBS4's news crews could be seen volunteering Saturday morning at a Denver park, painting equipment, mulching and cleaning!
Mark Taylor is a weekend morning anchor and reporter with CBS4 news covering a wide variety of stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkTaylor_TV.