Volunteer

City of Mansfield bestows President’s Volunteer Service Awards

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of twelve organizations to receive the 2023 honor from the city of Mansfield.

“Your contributions are compassion made real”-Julie Short, Mansfield City Council Member, Place 5.

The city of Manfield, Texas, honored The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with the President’s Volunteer Service Award in August 2023 in recognition of its many dedicated hours of volunteer service to the city.

Mayor Michael Evans said, “We are grateful [to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] for the care and the commitment you show to our community. Thank you for all you do.”

In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity.

The Church of Jesus Christ was one of just twelve organizations recognized in 2023 by the city of Mansfield with this prestigious award. Heidi Hakes, JustServe.org Coordinator for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accepted the award on behalf of the church and reflected upon the joy found in serving with the many other volunteer organizations and individuals across the Mansfield area.

“It has been wonderful to work with the city of Mansfield,’ said Hakes. “I personally have met the best people and organizations working side by side at these projects. We appreciate all those who volunteer their time to keep Mansfield great.”

Mansfield City Council member Julie Short said, “I, along with my fellow city council members, want to congratulate [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] on this achievement. Your contributions are compassion made real. Thank you for being a part of what makes Mansfield amazing.”

Some of the Mansfield area volunteer projects the church has participated in are:

Mansfield Cemetery Cleanup on The National Day of Service, 2022.

Mansfield Earth Day: The City of Mansfield asked for volunteers to help man booths and help people at their annual Earth Day Celebration. Pictured is Mansfield’s Butterfly Release.

Mansfield Pickle Parade (March 2023) The Church of Jesus Christ volunteered at many locations for the Mansfield Pickle Parade, manning the parade route, setting up cones and directing traffic, and helping with booths and playgrounds. “Being part of the famous Mansfield Pickle Parade was great fun,” said Hakes.

Wreaths Across Mansfield (Dec 2022). ‘It was great to participate in the First Annual Wreaths Across Mansfield,” said Hakes. “The community showed up to support and honor those who have served.”

Looking for a way to serve your community? Go to JustServe.org to find opportunities near you.

Watch a video about the award on Facebook.

By Janene Nielsen

Janene Nielsen is a novelist, freelance journalist and multi-stake media specialist for the Dallas Coordinating Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.