NATCHEZ — Coast Guardsmen from the USCGC Greenbrier took their public service to dry land on Tuesday to volunteer at Natchez Children’s Home Services.

Passersby on North Union Street may have spotted the servicemen cutting fallen trees, trimming overgrown hedges and clearing fence rows in almost unbearable humidity.

Joe Mitchell, NCHS development director, was thoroughly impressed.

“They’re nice people, they do good work and they do it without whining,” he said. “They’ve done this for us historically.”

The relationship between the servicemen and NCHS goes back only a few years, recalled Petty Officer Daniel Thomas.

“It’s an annual thing we do,” Thomas said. “Our chief brought it up and everyone seemed to be in agreement to lend a helping hand. We stay pretty busy out here with the Coast Guard, but we do have a little time to give something back.”

Mitchell said the servicemen have volunteered at NCHS twice within the last week, beautifying the property for the ongoing construction of a playground. The old playground was torn down after it was declared unsafe. Mitchell was happy to announce NCHS recently completed phase one of the five-phase project.

“We have a wonderful new swing set,” Mitchell said. “When we get the money for the next phase, we’ll do the next phase.”

NCHS, a non-profit agency, relies heavily on private donors and volunteers to execute needed projects. Mitchell said phase two of the playground construction will cost $20,000 and include a climbing wall and basketball court. NCHS will continue to organize fundraising efforts and accept volunteers until the playground is complete.

Coast Guard Fireman Thomas Thompson, who relocated to Natchez in September, gladly adapted to USCGC Greenbrier’s commitment to NCHS.

“To help out the community and to help out the kids over there… it’s just a good thing to do,” he said.