Codes of Compassion starts Friday with new focus

When the city came up with the idea to take on exterior clean-up projects in the summer of 2020, the focus was to take on one home at a time.

The idea, proposed by councilman and Rotarian Terry Williams, was to enlist volunteers and city staff to help homeowners who were having difficulty keeping their landscape in good order.

After all, everybody needs a little help from their neighbor from time to time and sometimes that requires more than just a couple of neighbors.

The Farmersville Rotary Club partnered with the city for the community volunteer service project coined Codes of Compassion. The project was intended to help residents who were either physically, financially — or both — unable to maintain their yards. In some cases, the neglect would be in violation of city code.

Over the past few months, Farmersville Rotary Club President Diana Hopes and Williams have worked together to craft a new way for Codes of Compassion to help beautify Farmersville.

“This change would not be happening without Dr. Hope’s interest in doing something,” Williams said.

The 2023 Codes of Compassion kicks off Friday, May 19 and will address, not just individual homes, but the updated version takes it a step further. The city is asking residents to contact the city if they need help hauling off debris and junk from their home. Pickup will only include homes within the city limits and residents must call to arrange pickup.

Items that will be collected include limbs, debris, appliances and tires. Any hazardous material will require special disposal.

Residents should call 972.782.6141 and provide their name, address, phone number and items that need to be removed. The items must be on the resident’s driveway by 7 a.m. Friday, May 19 for pickup.

If assistance is needed to move the unwanted items, please include that information.

According to Police Chief Marsha Phillips, depending on participation, “the city plans to offer the service twice a month.”

Volunteers are welcome to help and signups can be conducted by contacting the same number as those requesting assistance.

All volunteers are encouraged to bring a pair of gloves and dress in comfortable clothes and shoes for an active day.

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