National Day of Service ignites community spirit
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by
Mike Sweet
Burleson Area Volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints join multiple community organizations in service and remembrance.
In recognition of the recent National Day of Service, members of the Burleson Texas congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints united with community members throughout the area to participate in a variety of service projects. These projects included:
- Working with civic leaders and other church organizations to clear trees and brush from the Mansfield Cemetery.
- Installing wireless cameras, assembling playground equipment, and repairing ramps and stair railings to portable buildings at the Cleburne Christian Academy.
- Partnering with the Johnson County branch of Christmas in Action to build wheelchair ramps at residences located in Alvarado and Burleson;
- Assisting the Russell Art Farm in Burleson to clear multiple trailer loads of brush and tree limbs;
- Partnering with the First United Methodist Church in Burelson to collect trash and remove litter and debris in conjunction with the city’s “Trash Bash” activity;
- A food drive for donating peanut butter to local food pantries; and
- Writing cards to terminally ill children as part of the Cardz for Kidz program.
In all, over 300 Church of Jesus Christ members participated in these various activities. Among those who volunteered was Elder Kyle A. Vest, Area Seventy for the North America Southwest and North America West Areas of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Vest noted the importance for members of all faiths to come together to serve in the community. “It’s the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to love our neighbor and get out among the people. It’s that simple.” Elder Vest added, “[i]nstead of talking about doing good things, we need to get out and actually do good things.”
It’s the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to love our neighbor and get out among the people. It’s that simple. Instead of talking about doing good things, we need to get out and actually do good things.
Elder Kyle A Vest
Also participating was Kris Dearden, President of the Burleson Texas Stake. President Dearden observed that “[s]erving in our communities gets us out of our comfort zone and learn of opportunities to assist in ways we may have never otherwise recognized.”
Each of these opportunities for service not only benefitted the individuals and organizations being served but also created a spirit of unity among all those involved. As Julie Sheffler, Volunteer Coordinator for the city of Mansfield, remarked, “[i]t was truly amazing to watch you all work hand in hand.”
Note: To find volunteer opportunities near you, visit JustServe.org.
Featured Photo: Maile and Ella Garrett help spruce up Mansfield Cemetery on National Day of Service 2022. Photo by Heidi Hakes.
