Westar lends a hand as Oprah's Big Give transforms woman's property

VIDEO:

From securing the steps into the house to tossing out an old car seat, Westar workers, among other volunteers participating in Oprah's Big Give: Topeka, cleaned up Bobbie Fowler's house today.

The progress was preceded by these words: "This can go" and "heads up."

"We are thrilled to have Westar here," Keep America Beautiful Topeka Executive Director Philicia McKee said. "Westar decided that they would send some volunteers today, and they have been absolutely incredible."

Westar tries to play a proactive role in the community, finding ways the employees can contribute.

"Once we hear about Oprah's Big Give, we thought this would be a great fit for our employees," Westar Community Relations Manager Cynthia McCarnel.

Some used their muscles and time to rake up yard waste and clean out flower beds. Others cleaned out the kitchen to prep it for what comes next, painting Fowler's brand new cabinets.

"The amount of work that needs to be done is quite overwhelming, but I think with the amount of employees we have involved, it's gonna be a fairly easy task to get some of this stuff done today," McCarnel said.

"With all the help from Westar employees out here she's gonna get a whole lot of stuff done that would take her years to do by herself," McKee said.

Would you like to help? Sign up for Oprah's Big Give: Topeka here.

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