Toro and ARA foundations transform Youth Crisis Center in Florida

The American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation donated equipment and volunteers to clean up and transform the seven-acre property of the Youth Crisis Center (YCC) in Jacksonville, Fla., on April 30. YCC has provided a variety of services for children, adolescents, young adults, parents and families since 1974. Their emphasis on care is for those who have been exposed to traumatic situations such as divorce, homelessness, relocation, loss of life, bullying and abuse.

Volunteers and equipment from Toro, Ditch Witch, Ditch Witch of Florida, All About Events, Sunshine Event Rentals and more joined forces to install a drainage trench, remove shrubs and plant a variety of foliage to beautify the landscape of this large property.

“We are greatly appreciative of this project,” said Pete Hicks, chief development officer at Youth Crisis Center. “Beautification of our shelter helps with the therapeutic care we are able to offer youths and families. We have a lot of kids that come here to get help, and when they see a welcoming place, it really makes an impact. ARA has done a tremendous job negotiating our seven acres of property to create this beautiful landscape, and it really helps our organization so that we can spend more funds directly serving the kids.”

In addition to the work done on the property, the ARA Foundation donated a $20,000 grant to Youth Crisis Center to support the expenses associated with the project.

“Volunteers have come from all over the country for this wonderful project today,” said Cathy Hurst, Youth Crisis Center (YCC) board member. “There are people everywhere. You can hear the machines behind me as they get started. They are moving rocks and mulch. There are over 600 plants and trees being used to beautify the YCC property. We have young people that come here for therapy. There are residents that live here. It’s just incredible the work that they do here, and I’m honored to be on their board and be a part of this activity today.”