C.O.O.L. History

In the summer of 2007, Mayor Janet Creighton, asked Cindy Mandrell, serving with YWAM/Mission Bridge Prayer Stations© to join her on the "Mayor's Prayer Walks" in many different neighborhoods throughout the city of Canton every Thursday.  As Cindy walked the streets with the Mayor, she and other believers prayed and picked up trash. Meanwhile, the Mayor and city officials went door-to-door to see if the residents' needs were being met or if there were any abuses. Cindy walked through the neighborhoods, and God seemed to be giving her eyes to see the potential in restoring what used to be and what could be if people would join together to demonstrate God's love.

Looking back, Cindy remembers walking while the vision kept expanding:

• people coming to one block to make a difference...
• painting, construction work, planting flowers, etc. to transform the area...
• a neighborhood gathering where residents could enjoy music and a meal with those that have come to serve in the neighborhood...
• a message of God's love being shared coupled with a heart of service...
• people being able to connect with the local church in their neighborhood or be invited by someone they connected with relationally as they worked on their house together...
• everything being donated as a free act of love...
• renewing the whole block to promote unity and care for one another...

Through this vision, the C.O.O.L. Day Project was born.  C.O.O.L. is now a non-profit, interdenominational ministry that provides a platform for local churches and businesses to work together to bring life-changing service to our local communities.

The first Saturday in June continues to be an annual outreach where hundreds come together to serve in practical ways to bless the residents in a given community.  This ministry reaches beyond fixing porches and planting flowers; it is our attempt to express the heart of Jesus to people.  All ages and all gifts and abilities are welcome in a C.O.O.L. Day Project.  The only requirement is a willing heart to love, serve, and shine His light!

"The C.O.O.L. (Community Outreach Of Love) Project's work in Massillon was a shining example of our faith community coming together to give back generously to the community...The leadership, love, and friendship provided by all those involved in the C.O.O.L. Project will be long remembered."

- Kathy Catazaro-Perry,

Mayor, City of Massillon