Coming together to clean up the community

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By Justin Burrows

MELDRIM, GA (WTOC) - Communities often come together to help their fellow man.

For the people of Meldrim, one man has made it his goal to help them and to send a message.

"Let the seniors know that we haven't forgot about them," said Stephen Newsome.

Stephen Newsome is the founder of the Meldrim Community Service Program which for the past 3 years has helped senior citizens and people with disabilities with chores around their homes.

"We clean their yards, work on handicap ramps, pressure clean, paint; anything that improves the quality of life," said Newsome.

"In the past they have helped me achieve a lot of things that I couldn't do for myself," said George Asbell.

George Asbell and his wife are just one of the many families that Newsome's program helps.

On this day, volunteers are cleaning up their yard in time for the holidays.

However, it's not always the work being done that matters the most.

"It means a lot to me to know that younger people have not forgot about the senior citizens," Helen Asbell.

"I always saw how hard it was for seniors, how much they struggled with things and how much it mattered to spend some time with them," said Newsome. "It doesn't have to cost money - just a moment of your time means a lot to these seniors."

However, there's no such thing as a free lunch and often times, Newsome doesn't leave empty handed.

"I'm always rewarded with cake and pie," said Newsome. "No money, but cake and pie."

"I'll continue to make them as long as I can and I hope they don't get fat on them," said Asbell.