At the American Cancer Society (l- r), Cynthia Hall, Natly Mekdara, and Jessica Jenkins. On Thursday, October 16, over 250 Edens & Avant employees weren't working real estate deals. Instead, in what was themed "Operation: Footprint," these employees made an impression in their communities by picking up trash, painting pumpkins with hospitalized children, pulling weeds, roofing Habitat houses, stocking food, painting children's cottages, assisting with mailings, and doing whatever else was needed at 22 non- profit organizations from Boston to Miami. Twelve of these organizations are in Columbia, the company's headquarters.

For the third year in a row, Edens & Avant has participated in Service Day - a day in which the company's 10 offices are closed while each employee volunteers through efforts coordinated by the Columbia office. The work amounts to over 2000 community service hours in one day or the equivalent of one person volunteering full- time for a year.

"In today's environment, now is the time to step up and get more involved in helping our communities," commented Terry S. Brown, Edens & Avant chief executive officer. "The needs of these organizations are great, but so are our opportunities."

At Epwor th Children's Home (l- r), Logan Slaughter and Hunter Suggs. At Harvest Hope Food Bank (l- r), Albert James and Smith Webster. At the Killingsworth Home (l- r), Shena Weaver and Gloria McSorley.