Sunday, May 12, 2002

First 'Great Day' project successful

By CAROLYN CARY
ccary@TheCitizenNews.com

"Our first Great Day of Service was a resounding success," said Fayetteville First United Methodist Church member Allen Harp. "We had originally hoped to have about six or seven projects with a hundred volunteers to paint, build, mow, cook, or wash vehicles."

Harp, who served as co-lay leader of the project, instead helped establish 16 projects around the county, all involving nonprofit organizations. Centers such as the Fayette Samaritans, Fayette Senior Services Center, the Joseph Sams School and the Fayette Youth Protection Homes received attention from 230 volunteers who cleaned, washed, organized food closets, did yard work, installed insulation and built a retaining wall, among other projects.

More than $2,500 worth of materials was donated to complete the work. "We estimated the hours spent throughout the day," said Harp, "and determined that at current labor charges, over $15,000 was saved by the organizations."

Other churches have contacted First Methodist asking to participate in next year's Great Day of Service.

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