The 2025 National Days of Service are happening all over Indianapolis during the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. In downtown Indianapolis, dozens of FFA members traveled to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site to help beautify the grounds.
“I want to offer a welcome to FFA…here at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site,” says Charles Hyde, the site’s president and CEO. “It is the home of the 23rd President of the United States — the only president elected from the state of Indiana.”
Members spent their morning picking up trash and leaves and pulling weeds to help preserve the historic site’s gardens.
“We’ve done a lot of fun things; we’ve met a lot of fun people,” says Jayleen Totteen, a member of the Rochester FFA Chapter in Washington. “I’ve met people from places I used to live…so it was very nice to be able to be reunited with old buddies…and yeah, see Indiana. It’s very beautiful out here.”
Members have embraced the FFA motto “living to serve” through their day of service and they are learning just why it’s so special to give back to a community.
“I just think cleaning feels nice, especially when you’re helping someone, and it’s always nice to…have a clean area. When you are able to help someone, it makes you feel a lot better as well,” says Elise Combs, a member of the Miami FFA Chapter in Arizona.
These National Days of Service teach members the importance of small efforts that make big impacts in people’s lives.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” says Hyde. “We’re grateful for your efforts and for your support. And again, [I appreciate] all that they’re doing to lead within their own communities and in our great country.”
