Thousands of volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a day of service designed to improve communities throughout the Golden State on April 26.
Partnering with interfaith service groups and community groups, leaders of the “Community Day of Service” have worked with city, county and state officials to plan projects across the State. This day of service benefitted hundreds of state and local parks, schools and municipalities.
Various service projects took in the South County area. Approximately 390 members of the Manteca Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ gave 1,730 hours of service to three cities in South County. The Manteca church members painted and refurbished the Haven of Peace (Women and Children Shelter) in French Camp. The office, pantry, and dormitories received a fresh coat of paint, curtains were made and hung for 24 windows, and new hardware for closets were installed. In addition, four new ceiling fans and window screening was replaced, dirt and bark was installed in the children’s play area and other improvements for the shelter were completed. The shelter members were very appreciative, and served lunch to all the volunteers.
In the city of Tracy, three projects were completed; first, landscaping work was done at City Hall, the Transit Station and surrounding area; second, volunteers cleaned and spread mulch at Clyde Bland Park; and third, spring cleaning took place at the Tracy Interfaith Building. It was a wonderful turnout of community members both young and old. Don Scholl, Superintendent of Parks, Sports Fields and Trees for the City of Tracy, conveyed his gratitude and appreciation from the city for all the work and a job well done. It was a great opportunity for people to come together, work hard, and try to make a difference for the city they love.
The Ripon Ward Community Day of Service was held at Park View elementary school and about 80 parents and students came to the morning event. The task was to spruce up the elementary school grounds by weeding, raking, sweeping, etc. and Jeff Hardenbrook, dedicated janitor, directed our work. Mona Ogden, Park View principal, was present throughout the event. It was a wonderful morning working side by side with our neighbors and friends.
These service projects are a way for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to give back to the community, show love for their neighbors, and look forward to finding ways of continuing to serve their communities.
