LANCASTER – Antelope Valley congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will partner with the City of Palmdale to beautify Desert Sands Park this Saturday.
The event concludes Palmdale’s 2014 “Season of Service,” program, which is part of the city’s participation in the “National Day of Service” in recognition Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The event is also part of the Church’s annual Day of Community Service, also known as Mormon Helping Hands, in which Church members across the globe participate in service activities in an effort to improve their communities.
“The annual Day of Community Service gives us an opportunity to work with fellow service organizations and local agencies, bringing hundreds of volunteers together on a single project to make a huge impact,” said Brad Higley, president of the Church’s Palmdale Stake, which oversees congregations throughout Palmdale. “While we participate in a series of smaller-scale service activities throughout the year, this one day allows us to make a major difference in our community.”
The Day of Community Service begins at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, April 26, at Desert Sands Park, located at 39117 3rd Street East in Palmdale.
More than 500 Church members from the Palmdale, Lancaster, and Lancaster East Stakes will join with City of Palmdale officials and a number of volunteers from other community groups to participate in the service project.
Efforts will include painting buildings, landscaping, trash/debris removal, and other beautification activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to volunteer to assist with the project. Volunteers must be 12 or older to participate. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must complete a “release of liability” (available at www.cityofpalmdale.org or at event registration). Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, be prepared to walk over uneven terrain, and use sun protection. Volunteers should bring appropriate tools to aid in their efforts, such as shovels, trowels, paint brushes, and paint rollers. Water will be provided. Verification of service hours is available.
When the work is done, all volunteers are welcome to participate in a post-service barbeque.
“We’d like to thank the City of Palmdale for partnering with us to coordinate this incredible service opportunity,” added Higley. “Together, we will beautify this park for the entire community to enjoy.”
For more information about the Day of Community Service/Mormon Helping Hands, visit www.mhhcalifornia.org. For more information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit www.mormon.org.