NATCHEZ — Hayes Daly spent the last days of his summer vacation pulling weeds out of a flowerbed.

Daly, 13, wasn’t doing it as a chore or for allowance, but to help in the upkeep of the Natchez Children’s Home.

“I always feel good about it,” Daly said. “Helping out for a good cause and, usually, it is pretty fun stuff.”

Daly helps with managing the lawn, the garden and any dusting or sweeping at the children’s home on North Union Street. He also helps at the thrift shop across the street, which supports the children’s home.

“What we are doing now isn’t the most fun,” Daly said holding his rake. “But sometimes we get to take out weed eaters, and that’s fun.”

Daly has been volunteering at the children’s home for nearly half a year. His older brothers volunteered at the children’s home before, and Daly said it seemed like the right fit for him.

“I like it,” Daly said. “Also, the food is killer.”

Daly was working with his friend, Colby Passman, 13, Thursday, which was the first day Passman volunteered at the children’s home, because Daly asked him to come lend a hand.

Passman said he would be returning with Daly to help and to get service hours.

Daily said he is also getting service hours for the Boy Scouts of America Troop 158 and for school once it starts.

“There is so much to be done here,” said Liz Dunham, office manager at the children’s home.  “It’s like working at your own home.”

Dunham said she welcomes any volunteers at the children’s home.

“Volunteer groups, whether it’s an individual or a group, they lend assistance,” Dunham said. “And they gain something by giving back to others.”

Daly did not have much time to think about what he was gaining. Lunch was soon, and the weeds needed to be taken care of.

“Helping out is good,” Daly said. “And work is not always bad.”