A local sign gets a fresh coat of paint thanks to volunteers. 

 Spreading a little sunshine, along with spreading a lot of dirt, painting city buildings and signs and helping to clean up a neighborhood in Lake Stevens was on the agenda of over 100 local church members last Saturday, Sept. 15.

At the annual Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Northwest Day of Service members young and old showed up bright and early to help improve their community.   A few years ago, President Obama asked Americans to memorialize the tragic events of September 11, 2001 by creating a Day of Service and Remembrance. Since then, members of the LDS church in the Northwest part of the country have gathered on the nearest Saturday to serve within their communities.

 Some of the members painted city buildings and signs while others filled in holes at Lundeen Park. Still others spent their time in the Frontier Heights neighborhood pressure washing the park, cleaning up trash and weeding around common areas.
“The community should know how wonderful it is that they’re showing the love of Jesus to our city in a practical way,” Jen Ervig, a resident of Frontier Heights said. “I sincerely hope Frontier Heights makes the most of this opportunity and continues to take pride of ownership afterwards. All thanks to your initial efforts and all glory to God.”

Working within one’s community is an essential lesson and helps create pride and ownership within that community.  All of those working got to enjoy that feeling, especially as they worked together for the greater good.

 “Serving in my community is important,” Jan Hilton said. “I want to make the place I live a prettier and better place.”
Even the teenagers were enjoying the camaraderie while they painted and shoveled.

Sixteen-year-old Mark Lavering said, “Well, my parents made me but I could also use the community service hours.” Of course, his friends laughed.

It is also important to parents to teach by example as many of them worked beside their own kids.
“It teaches my children the importance of not just taking care of our own house but taking care of others,” James Palmer said. “Things don’t become beautiful by accident.”

Even eight-year-old Maddie LaPerle had a smile on her face as she shoveled dirt and sand into a wheelbarrow.
“It’s fun to do and I learned that you can help in your community,” she said.

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