More than 60 community members generously donated their time and supplies to help repair the damage caused by vandals last weekend in the Uptown Arts District in Michigan City.
Planters and flower pots placed beautifully in front of buildings along Franklin St. were smashed and broken last Saturday evening. After acknowledging all of the damage created by recent activities, members of the community and local businesses decided to stand together as one, as they helped rebuild a welcoming uptown.
With forces united, a Facebook group titled "Take Back Uptown" was created, inviting the public from 5-7 p.m. to help clean up and rejuvenate the properties that were victims of the wreckage.
Ever since the group was posted online, several donations poured in quickly, as well as acts of kindness and generosity. Local businesses such as Walnut Ink Gallery, Joy of Flowers and Beach Bum Jewels were all affected by the local streak of vandalism.
"The Pickle & Turnip is the furthest place of destruction south, and Maxine's is the furthest place north. Most of the damage took place on 7th St., so most of our volunteers have been sent there to repair the harm that was done. Most of the damage consists of broken flower pots, but Joy of Flowers also had a hanging basket torn down as well," Michelle Basta, a volunteer, said.
Although there were several volunteers needed, supplies for the event also became a vital factor. The community involvement became tremendous, for Kabelin Ace Hardware donated a total of 12 pots, and Sevick Gardens, located on 8th St., donated 20 mums to be placed in front of community door fronts.
Jody Rogers, publisher of Lakefront Neighbors Magazine, also donated two flats of flowers.
The business owners and community members spent two hours working diligently to not only make the displays presentable, but beautiful, too. Although many would initially be discouraged at the sight of vandalism, the volunteers used their frustration and became both encouraged and inspired to rebuild their tight-knit neighborhood.
"The city can only be as good as its people," Dominique Edwards, leader of Take Back Uptown said.
As a result of their services, the volunteers planted an array of mums, lilies and other variations of flowers. Taking back uptown not only helped better the city's street displays, but also helped renew a community's dedication and commitment to its people.
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