Missionaries Named 2021 Volunteers of the Year

In 2002, five historic parks in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas needed restoration. Nola Rae Smith and David Klempin, with the support of John Jenkins, Regional Manager of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, formed the Friends of Oak Cliff Parks Garden Club to assist with that purpose.

Preservation and restoration mean a lot of work, and that means a lot of volunteers. Every Wednesday since May 27, 2020, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have labored in the field, literally. Agnes Monzingo, JustServe.org coordinator for the area, contacted Ellen Fitzsimmons, the Friends volunteer coordinator, because the missionaries needed volunteer opportunities that were outside. It seemed to be a good fit. Because of an agreement with the city of Dallas, no power tools and chemicals could be used, so the Friends provided trowels and garden gloves, clippers and loppers. Elders Adams and Riley were the first to participate.

According to board member Wendy Fenn, “During 2020 with COVID, only 4-5 of us were trying to do it all. We were desperate for volunteers, and the missionaries needed something to do. The elders have said that this is their favorite day of the week. And one of their favorite things to do is cut and haul bamboo, which surrounds Kidd Springs Park. The harder the work, the better. This week they were pulling up landscape cloth covered with layers and layers of dirt. That needed some strong muscles!”

It should not have been a surprise that the Friends chose to honor the missionaries as the Volunteers of the Year for 2021. Elder Curdy and Elder Marvin knew they were to attend an awards dinner on December 13th, with permission, but they didn’t know they would be receiving this honor. They represent many other missionaries, of course, as dozens of them have provided assistance.

Elder Curdy agreed: “Yes, we were very surprised. All missionaries in the district go every Wednesday to the five parks from 9-11 in the morning. We pull weeds, plant trees, spread bark, and do lots of replanting. And trimming, everything you can imagine.”

The elders are grateful for doing work with their hands, helping the community, and getting to know great people. They enjoy the parks themselves even when not working.

Rev. Fenn concluded that this has been a joyful thing. She enjoys seeing the transformation as new elders arrive, not knowing exactly what to do, and within a couple of weeks, they’ve caught on and are doing great.