The Tamaqua Raiders Football team spent Saturday morning cleaning up the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Tamaqua.

A total of 35 team members in seventh to 12th grades at the Tamaqua Area School District volunteered, said Tamaqua Football Boosters President Brandy Coleman.

“They get out in the community to thank all the people who are wonderful to them,” Coleman explained.

In the case of the Odd Fellows, its lodge supports the team in many ways including donations to the boosters’ chance auctions and a scholarship established in memory of one of the members’ fathers, the late Francis Inama.

The team raked the area, used leaf blowers and bagged trash. They even tended to a cemetery marker that had been toppled.

Coleman became boosters president three years ago, and said this marked the second time the team helped at the massive cemetery. Another year was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.

“This year we will also be volunteering for the South Ward Playground because they need help,” Coleman explained. The playground was recently concerned due to concerns about its condition.

In addition, the team assists at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, and will once again take part in the Christmas in July event organized by the Tamaqua Spirit of Christmas Committee.

“This community does so much for us,” Coleman said. “We’re not going to ever stop volunteering.”