Service day attracts families

Staff writer

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The annual Comcast Cares Day at the Portales Recreation Center on Saturday was a family affair for many of the volunteers.

Candace Heidlebaugh and her sons, Ethan, 11, and Noah, 13, were busy painting the new cubbies that were built by Comcast employees later in the week.

“It is really nice to volunteer and give back to the place my sons spend their summer at,” Heidlebaugh said.link Lillian Bowe: Staff photo

Volunteers of the Comcast Cares Day paint the cubbies Saturday at the Portales Recreation Center. Comcast Field Supervisor Spencer DeBord said there were 125 volunteers that helped with various projects.

Even though Heidlebaugh, who works at US Bank, stayed late at the Portales Relay for Life event on Friday, she said she got herself out of bed around 8 a.m. to help out the community.

Comcast Field Supervisor Spencer DeBord said Comcast had about 125 volunteers at this year’s community service initiative.

DeBord estimated the work and time donated by Comcast and community residents is valued anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000.

The volunteers helped paint the walls of the recreation center, the cubbies and the fitness room. The fitness room also got its ceilings replaced.

Comcast employee Frank Hernandez helped put up the ceilings as he came with his wife, daughter and son.

“It is a great way to give back to the community,” said Hernandez as this is his third year helping.

Gloria Terrazas, 7, one of the children that is a part of the Portales Recreation Center after school program brought her mother, Jessica Terrazas, to the event.

“My daughter asked if we could go today. I thought it would be a great way to make the rec center better,” said Terrazas, who works in juvenile corrections in Clovis.

Carmen Valdez, 14, a student at Portales Jr. High came to help out because she said it was a great way to help out.

“My niece comes to here after school and I want to help out as much as I can,” said Valdez as she painted one of the walls red.

The volunteers also got to plant flowers outside of the center and Comcast fixed and painted the benches at Rotary Park.

Along with the volunteers on Saturday, DeBord said many businesses donated money or supplies to help with the day.

Even though he was woken up early after a long night, Heidlebaugh’s son, Ethan was having fun painting the cubbies.

“I come here in the summer and these cubbies will be great,” Heidlebaugh said.