Dave Chalk holds a tree limb for Mike Brown to cut at the Community Action building in Provo. The two from BYU joined more than 600 others in a day of service.  Stuart Johnson, Deseret Morning News |
"They just did miracles," Monson said, referring to the group of Community Action volunteers who fixed up her ailing home as part of the annual United Way Day of Caring.
"Their attitude was so good," said Monson, who turns 90 in November. "They actually acted like I was doing them a favor."
For volunteer Robert Peffer, that sentiment couldn't be more true. As a volunteer coordinator for Modus Media, Peffer said the annual opportunity gives employees back more than they give out.
"Any time you do service for people, you have a great feeling," Peffer said. "When you get out there, you see how much you can help."
That sentiment is the driving force behind the United Way Day of Caring, said Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County. He says the annual service spree provides citizens with a tangible way to give back to their communities.
"I'm always overwhelmed by the desire of people to make a difference," Hulterstrom said. "The amount of sweat and tears that they put into this really shows you their commitment to serving others."
More than 600 volunteers showed up outside Brigham Young University's Lavell Edwards Stadium Friday morning before heading out to 15 different service projects. After enjoying a breakfast served by local dignitaries like BYU President Cecil Samuelson, volunteers spread out across Utah County, showering service in their path.
Around 15 employees from Peffer's organization worked at the Provo American Red Cross building to help clean up the facility. Many co-workers bonded during the service project, which allowed for more personal interaction than a business setting.
Miriam Fischer and Nancy Bennett from BYU help with cleaning at the Community Action building. Stuart Johnson, Deseret Morning News |
Hulterstrom says community unity is even more important since the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001. With the annual service day falling in September each year, he says natural comparisons are drawn to the tragedy.
"Since Sept. 11, I think we are finding an increased commitment and an emotional tie-in to the service," Hulterstrom said. "I think it's hard to separate the freedom to give and the freedoms we are defending."
While grateful, Monson doesn't draw on symbolism to summarize the importance of service. She is just glad someone helped her tame the "jungle" that once was her yard.
"It's a wonderful program," Monson said. "I never realized that until I was a recipient."
E-mail: lsanderson@desnews.com
© 2003 Deseret News Publishing Company