She’s also dedicated to enhancing her city because of her late husband’s career, her daughter-in-law Bonnie Wacker said. Her husband used to be a Los Angeles police officer so they’ve both always been in a charitable mind set, Bonnie Wacker added. She was involved with her children’s schools and the Boy Scouts, she said.
“All along she’s been civically minded,” Bonnie Wacker said.
“They both dedicated their life to the community. . . . And she’s able to give back now, both financially and time wise.”
One way Eleanor Wacker gives back to her community is Make a Difference Day, a national event that takes place every October.
The volunteers concentrate on Foothill Boulevard, cleaning up the community from Briggs to Lowell avenues, she said. Now that the event is a joint effort with the Committee for a Clean and Beautiful Glendale, Eleanor Wacker said the group aspires to cover other properties as well, including local schools and parks.
The collaboration between community members sets an example for the younger generation to follow, she said.
“[The children] get to see it’s important to be supportive of your community, to give back, not just take, to contribute to its well-being,” Eleanor Wacker added. “It’s easy to complain and say it looks horrible. It’s good to do something about it.”
Aside from inspiring other people’s children to make a difference in their communities, Eleanor Wacker has also inspired her own son to give back. Her son, who lives in Culver City, is involved in his community’s affairs and has been able to create much-needed change, she said.
