Extra Effort: Dee-Mack football players helping with spring clean-up jobs

MACKINAW, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — In the fall, the Deer Creek-Mackinaw football team can make some noise on Friday nights.

In the spring, the players make noise a different way.

“Everybody these days has a ring doorbell or some sort of video capturing device. They might get home and say, ‘why was there a commotion across the street today?’ They see we were making multiple wheel barrel trips,” said Dee-Mack football coach Cody Myers.

For the last five years, the football team has been performing spring clean-up tasks for people in Deer Creek and Mackinaw.

“Lawn jobs, raking leaves, picking up sticks, mulching, digging up rocks, all sorts of stuff,” said junior Bryce Bashan. “It’s hard lawn work but you get used to it. You know how to work and get your hands dirty.”

Shortly after Christmas, the Chiefs get the word out they are available for their clean-up work starting in March. People in the community sign-up to have players help them with their projects.

Homeowner Bill Bott got acquainted with the team after he had a serious bout with COVID and needed help cleaning up his yard.

“The first time (they came) was the one that left a mark on me,” said Bott. “At a time of need, when I was physically incapable, this group of kids came out and did a phenomenal job. It was over-the-top. I was impressed with what the kids put into it.”

The Chiefs say they do it to help the community and to bond as a team. The donations they receive for their work helps the football program buy things like new helmets and jerseys.

“I feel, as everyone says, do a nice deed and you’ll feel nice,” said junior Reese Watson. “A happy team is a good team, that’s what I like to say.”

“Every team does a fundraiser. Some sell popcorn or discount cards,” said Myers, who estimates his team has done about 70 jobs in the past five years. “We thought it would be (about) us, it would be a good fundraiser for us. But more importantly, our community has been able to see our kids working.”

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