Mormon 'Helping Hands' Project at Spring Valley-East Communities Center

On Saturday, more than 300 volunteers from the Mormon “Helping Hands” initiative participated in cleanup and beautification projects at the Spring Valley-East Communities Center. The efforts were part of a statewide service project through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that featured more than 70,000 volunteers statewide.

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob presented a proclamation to Bishop Lewis Zollinger of the Lemon Grove congregation of the Mormon Church. The new Community Center resides in his congregational jurisdiction, which is determined by street boundaries.

A total of 328 volunteers painted six buildings, eaves and basketball backboards, planted trees, built planter boxes, cleaned the storm drainage system around the entire property, weeded, power-washed the cafeteria area and landscaped. Local public information officer Randy Formanek said they anticipated only 200 volunteers, so the turnout was a huge success.

At 11 a.m., in a short presentation ceremony, County Supervisor Dianne Jacob recognized the work done, which was followed by a barbecue lunch at noon.

See video of Diane Jacob's proclamation here.