(Written by Sarah Ingram)On April 9, 2011 the Newnan congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is participating in a regional season of service. Volunteers in ten southern states and surrounding areas in Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Virginia will take part in this 3rd annual service project called Helping Hands and Linking Arms or Day of Service pro-viding thousands of volunteers in community organizations, faith-based groups and local government agencies the opportunity to link arms and lend a helping hand to those in need.
Unlike the two previous years, this season of service will be organized by local leaders of the LDS Church in an effort to more fully meet the needs of local individuals and organizations. Doug Stark, the local LDS leader of the Newnan Day of Service, has invited various Newnan community organizations to join with volunteers from the Newnan congregation in offering minor cleaning and repair services to local families of members of the United States armed forces. Some of the services provided are cleaning gutters, pressure washing, repairing toilets and leaky faucets, yard work, minor car maintenance and washing windows. Contacts with such organizations as the State Department of Veterans’ Affairs in Newnan, Local VA clinic, Army Community Service, Family Readiness Group, JAG and the AARNG outreach program will also be provided for those who may need continued support.
Among the community organizations invited to take part in this year’s project are the Newnan American Legion, the VFW, the Georgia State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Ft. McPherson/Ft. Gillem Army community Service Family Readiness Group, JAG and Army Family Team Building. By rallying around those in need, those participating can demonstrate the strength and power of the American spirit and experience the joy of service.
Any household of deployed, disabled, retired, deceased, and prior members of the U.S. armed forces needing assistance should contact Doug Stark online at: cyberedge1@gmail or call (404) 569-4378 (cell), or (770) 304-3303 (home).
This is a family project for ages eight and up, and anyone wishing to volunteer should also call Doug Stark. There is also a website at www.dayofservice.org.
The Newnan Day of Service will begin at 8 am at the American Legion facility on Highway 29 across from A&W Nursery. After receiving service assignments teams will deploy across Coweta County from 9 am to 1 pm. Upon completion, the teams will return to the local VFW.
Doug Stark explains, “The purpose of the Newnan Day of Service project is to help lessen the burden on families who have an absent family member serving in the armed forces or one who is disabled as a result of military service. Serving side-by-side our community can show our appreciation for the selfless sacrifices these families make everyday. We hope many will join us.”
