Ready to Serve!
Apr 05, 2023 12:00AM ● By By MaryAnne Povey
Amazing volunteers get ready to spread yards of bark and beautify the OV Community Center. Photo by Jenn Gustafsen
Big Day of Service is Back for 2023
ORANGEVALE/FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The Big Day of Service 2023 is back and bigger and better than ever! This year’s event, happening on May 6th, 2023, is taking on a record 50 community service projects in the Orangevale and Fair Oaks area. After two years of scaling back and focusing on fewer projects, the Big Day of Service is back in full force, taking on multiple projects at multiple locations.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the community to come together and make a positive impact on the area,” said Josh Hall, OV-FO Community Foundation Executive Director.
“The variety of projects available means that there is something for everyone.”
From manual labor projects to encouragement projects, to care packages, and school beautification projects, there is something that will fit everyone’s skills and interests. Since each project varies in scope, 10 to 50 volunteers will be needed to get the job done!
“Some of the fan favorite projects include cookies for seniors, military care packages and the school beautification projects,” said Jenn Gustafson, event coordinator.
Organizers are hoping to get at least 1000 volunteers this year, and everyone is encouraged to gather up in groups and sign up with family and friends. “By working together, we can make a significant impact in our community that will benefit everyone,” Jenn added.
One of the highlights of the Big Day of Service is the kick-off rally taking place at Sunrise Community Church, 8321 Greenback Lane. The rally starts at 7:30 AM, and everyone is encouraged to attend. This is a great opportunity to come together and get pumped up before heading out to the variety of projects.
“It’s really important to be part of the rally,” said Jenn, “Besides doing the projects, it’s the best part where people come together to enjoy the pancake breakfast, get excited and come together as a community.”
In addition to the pancake breakfast, volunteers will get a Big Day of Service T-shirt and a chance to connect with other volunteers.
If you’re wondering how long it will take, most projects should be done by 2 PM on Saturday afternoon. This means that you can make a significant impact in just a few hours.
For those interested in donating to help cover the cost of any project, sponsorships are also available. This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and support the projects that are happening.
“We are so excited about getting the community re-engaged and out and back together this year, like we haven’t been able to do for a few years,” added Josh Hall.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up with family and friends, come to the kick-off rally, and get ready to make a positive change that will benefit everyone in the Orangevale and Fair Oaks communities. Let’s make this year’s Big Day of Service the best one yet! For more information about sponsorships, projects and to sign up to volunteer, go to www.bigdayofservice.com. See ya out there!