On June 5th, the Showing Hearts Foundation returned to Peters Field in Hollis, Queens for Beautification 2026, a day of rolling up sleeves, digging into soil, and showing a beloved neighborhood park the care it deserves. This event is part of Showing Hearts' "Heart for the Community" initiative.
Volunteers spent the day cleaning green spaces, planting flowers, and painting benches, breathing new life into the neighborhood park. With its ball fields, playgrounds, and handball courts along Liberty Avenue, Peters Field is a daily gathering place for the Hollis community.
Watch the highlights:
Six Years Strong
This year marked the sixth consecutive year of our park beautification initiative. What started as a single day of service has grown into an annual commitment to the green spaces that hold our neighborhoods together.
Because parks are more than playgrounds. They're urban oases, places where neighbors catch their breath, kids burn off energy, and seniors find a bench in the sun. As our volunteers reminded us throughout the day, a well-cared-for park is a mental health resource for an entire community.
Every Generation, One Mission
One of the most beautiful things about this day is who shows up. This year, energetic youth volunteers worked side by side with local seniors who offered guidance, stories, and wisdom earned over decades in Southeast Queens.
That multigenerational spirit is the heart of what we do. Young people bring the energy; elders bring the roots. Together, they're building something that lasts.
Giving Back Where We Grew Up
For many of our volunteers, this work is personal. They grew up in Southeast Queens, playing in these parks and walking these blocks. Coming back to plant flowers and paint benches isn't just service; it's a way of honoring their roots and building a legacy for the kids who play here now and the generations still to come.
Join Us
The Showing Hearts Foundation works alongside community organizations across Queens to educate, empower, and uplift underserved youth and families.
Want to be part of the next one?
- Volunteer: find upcoming opportunities and sign up for our next event
- Donate: every gift helps us keep showing up for our community
- Follow along: @showingheartsnyc on Instagram
Together We Can Change The World.