Volunteers digging weeds out of the field at Mission Viejo High School in 2009.
On May 8, thousands of volunteers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) across Orange County will participate in the annual “Mormon Helping Hands Community Day of Service” planned for all of California. The volunteers, who are among more than 45,000 church members in the county, will focus on cleaning and/or renewing parks throughout the county alongside non-LDS friends. Statewide, it is estimated that 70,000 members, 8 years and older, will join in this effort on May 8th.
“Church members participate in numerous service projects throughout the year,” said Sterling Brennan, President of the Santa Margarita Stake, “but this year, on May 8, the Church has asked us to unite and help renew our communities, which is vital during these difficult times.”
Wearing bright yellow “Mormon Helping Hands” vests, about 50 volunteers will be working at Canada Vista Park, across from Tijeras Creek Golf Course, removing artichoke thistle plants and laying wood chips in the dog park. About 100+ people will be repainting a wall bordering Santa Margarita Parkway. Samlarc will be removing all the plants the week before and the actual painting will be done on May 8th.
Ken Gibson, Chair of Mormon Helping Hands in the Rancho Santa Margarita area, said, “the City of RSM as well as with Samlarc have expressed deep appreciation for our willingness to help. They are trying to promote volunteer efforts throughout the community and hope this day of service will encourage people to get involved.”
