WORCESTER, Mass. - Driving through Worcester Saturday, you may have noticed groups of people working on projects at local parks and playgrounds. This was part of the annual Working for Worcester Build Day.

The day started with a rally behind City Hall. For the last 12 years, volunteers spread throughout the city and put together playground equipment, basketball courts, and numerous other types of recreational spaces. The idea for build day came from two Holy Cross students back in 2012. 

Volunteers went to 19 sites in Worcester including local schools, nonprofits like Abby's House, as well as the Newbury and Austin Street playground, where they were working on renovations and beautifying the space.

"It's really great to see everyone come together and everyone that's united for a great value and a great cause," said Mia Burgio, CFO of Working for Worcester and Holy Cross student. "None of this is possible without all of our generous sponsors and donors. It's great to see everyone come together to give back to the city."

"Just giving back to the community," said WPI student Rashad Stepney. "I love Worcester. This is like my second home. I've been here since 2021. Worcester's like home pie, dude. I don't know what it is, like apple pie that your moms make. You just have to take care of it and like the people that live here, the kids, they might be less fortunate so just trying to give back and be better for the community is always great."

"I've tried my best to make it every year," said Lilly Feeney, a Holy Cross student. "It's a really good cause and I really like what this organization stands for, giving back to the Worcester community."

Working for Worcester says since Build Day began, they've helped invest more than $2 million into the community, gotten the help of more than 45,000 volunteers, and built more than 25 playgrounds.