Residents to offer helping hands on Saturday morning
Oct 19, 2018 -- Posted by :By Cory Erickson, Hillsboro Banner
Hillsboro’s first-ever community day of service is a go this weekend.
The city’s four local churches and other organizations are coming together to improve Hillsboro and lives around the world through a series of service projects slated Saturday morning.
Members of Hillsboro’s congregations at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, St. John Lutheran Church and Hillsboro United Parish are signed up to help, along with the Traill District Health Unit and Traill County Veterans Service office.
Rebecca Hodgson, Traill Veterans Service Officer, says that although the effort was organized by local faith leaders, the project isn’t just for the Christian community.
Anyone who would like to help their neighbors is encouraged to attend.
“It started with the churches in town, but it’s built from there,” she said.
Several service projects are planned ranging from cleaning up Woodland Park to writing letters to U.S. veterans to packing food headed for Liberia, Africa through the nonprofit Mercy Meals.
Volunteers also will be putting together about 40 care packages for U.S. troops.
“Everybody we’ve asked for donations has donated more than I expected (for that),” Hodgson said.
Hillsboro resident Curt Kaufman has coordinated projects such as washing windows, cleaning out roof gutters and yardwork for families or individuals who have physical limitations.
A strong, sturdy back is not required to participate. The services can be completed by young and old alike.
“This is an event for everybody,” Hodgson said. “It’s a way to bring the community together for a day of service.”
The day of service kicks off with a volunteer registration from 8:30-9 a.m. at the Hillsboro Events Center.
At 9 a.m., teams will split off into the community for two and a half hours of work on the various projects before returning to the the Hillsboro Events Center for pizza and sub sandwiches at 11:30 a.m.
No advanced registration is required to participate; volunteers can show up to help.
Hodgson encouraged attendees and those who can’t attend to donate to the local food shelf.
“The food pantry does so much for this community, and I can tell you that we do have people in this community in need.”