LANCASTER – Antelope Valley congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and participating members of the community will join together on Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 11 to participate in Mormon Helping Hands, an annual service project day carried out by Church members across the globe.
More than 500 volunteers are expected to participate in this year’s event, in which service projects will be completed in both Lancaster and Palmdale. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
“Mormon Helping Hands provides Church members, local organizations, and friends an opportunity to come together en masse to make a major difference in our community,” said Bryan Crawley, president of the Lancaster Stake of the LDS Church. “While we participate in a number of service projects throughout the year, this single day allows us to make a huge impact.”
The Lancaster and Lancaster East Stakes have partnered with Lancaster School District and Monte Vista Elementary School for this year’s project, which will consist of patching, priming and painting Monte Vista. The school recently won 120 gallons of paint and 25 gallons of primer in Glidden’s Colorful Classrooms Contest.
“Monte Vista is more than 60 years old, and we are proud to engage in this effort to help the exterior of the school reflect the high quality of education offered inside,” said G. Simi, Director at Lancaster School District, and Dean Fourr, Director of Facilities, who are assisting with coordination of the project. “The community has truly stepped up to help us create a better learning environment for our students. First, the City of Lancaster made Monte Vista part of its Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in January. Now, the local LDS Church has volunteered to prepare, prime and paint the school. Church members who are skilled craftsmen have stepped forward to oversee the project, do additional prep work and ensure that the job is done right. We’d like to thank everyone involved for their generosity and their time.”
Lancaster congregations will also host a food drive to benefit Grace Resource Center and the Lancaster Homeless Shelter.
In Palmdale, the LDS Church has joined with the City of Palmdale to plant trees at Pelona Vista Park.
“We are proud to partner with the City of Palmdale to help create a better environment for children and families to play and enjoy each other’s company,” said Brad Higley, president of the Palmdale Stake of the LDS Church. “We are grateful for this opportunity to serve our community and invite fellow residents of the Palmdale area to join us in this wonderful day of service.”
Palmdale’s service day will also include games, activities and family fun for participants once the work is complete.
Service projects dates and times
Palmdale’s service day will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Pelona Vista Park, located at 37700 Tierra Subida.
Congregations from East Lancaster will also serve from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Monte Vista Elementary, located at 1235 West Kettering Street. Volunteers will carry out patching, priming and other prep work.
Congregations from West Lancaster will paint the school from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 11.
The public is welcome to attend all service projects.
For more information about Mormon Helping Hands, visit www.mhhcalifornia.org.
View video on Mormon Helping Hands Service Projects…
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Quigley says
They need to put Palmdale School District back on their list, the schools look like crap. Better yet if Corrales & Stanford would do a press conference at each site then Gallizzi will pay grounds overtime on a Saturday like he did at the District Office for the Time Warner interview. What a crock of crap!
sikntired says
I tend toward agnosticism and skepticism but I respect the Mormon Church because they are self reliant,plan for emergencies and help others regardless of faith.They do not depend on the
gubment to take care of them in crisis.
sikntired says
They’re all “cults “(organized religions) “; at least they are giving back something to the community.Yeah, Mr Smith would be proud of that (not saying he didn’t have his own issues)
Nope says
Like!
It’s nice to see a religious group actually practicing what the preach (compassion, love, charity, service, etc…).
justbeingreal says
Mormons get such a bad rep from all those ignorant individuals out there. But gee, they are willing to get out there and help their community and help to beautify our schools and raise food for our homeless shelters.
Look in the mirror before you throw stones.
What are You doing to help?
Everyone is eager to take what they are giving, but to quick to condemn.
goldenhour says
Oh no, a religious group helping a state funded school?? look out they are out to get you
J says
[removed] if u bothered to even pay attention state funds are actually running out to even do what Mormons are doing why don’t you get off your butt and go volunteer you might learn a thing or two