First MS Service Day helps disease

By PBN Staff
Twitter: @ProvBusNews

Nearly two dozen local volunteers recently rolled up their sleeves and participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s inaugural MS Service Day in Rhode Island.

Teams of volunteers went to houses in Pawtucket, Providence, North Providence and Tiverton to help residents who have multiple sclerosis with chores they may have not been able to accomplish on their own.

“For some clients with MS, the impact of the disease makes tasks like yard work overwhelming,” said Kathy Mechnig, president of the Rhode Island chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Volunteers performed tasks such as mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, washing windows and organizing garages.

Local business also pitched in, including Jerry’s Paint and Hardware of Narragansett, which donated cleanup materials, and Brito Lawn Care of Rhode Island, which donated professional landscape services.

Mechnig said this year’s service day is expected to become an annual event.

“We are looking forward to expanding this program and helping more people with MS in the coming years,” she said.