Wisconsin FFA Day of Service Returned to Madison

The Wisconsin FFA Day of Service has once again returned to the Madison community and this year in full swing. The pandemic has scaled down service activities to ensure the health and safety of students. This is the first year students were back in full force to lend a helping hand to the Madison community. FFA members exemplified the “living to serve” motto by participating in community service projects on June 10. The Wisconsin FFA Convention continues at the Alliant Energy Center through June 15.

“The Wisconsin FFA Day of Service kicks off the State FFA Convention by giving members an event that
re-centers them on the final line of the FFA motto, ‘Living to Serve’ before a week of celebration,” said Day of Service Manager Amelia Hayden. “In a week of accolades, it is important we also find ways to pay that success forward to others, and the Day of Service does just that.”

320 members had the opportunity to pay it forward at eleven different locations in Madison. At multiple city parks members removed invasive species, planted varieties of plants, and helped maintain the establishment. Additionally, at UW-Arboretum, members worked with the site’s horticultural team to tend woody plants by pulling weeds and spreading mulch around the trees and shrubs. Members also volunteered at Lussier Community Education Center, Goodman Community Center, Bayview Community Center, and the Ronald McDonald House. At these locations, participants aided with indoor cleaning, garden work, organization, and outdoor pick-up.

Wisconsin FFA members also had the opportunity to participate in on-site projects through collaboration with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Members helped to assemble 40 beds for children and families in need in the Madison area. The Wisconsin Association of FFA will be collecting twin sheets, pillowcases, and comforter sets to donate as well. Wisconsin FFA Day of Service efforts are made possible thanks to generous donations from Kerry Ingredients and the National FFA Living to Serve Grant Fund.