More than 200 volunteers from two churches, James River Church and South Haven Baptist Church, came to Kids Across America on Saturday, April 27, to volunteer prepping camp for summer staff and campers. Volunteers power washed boats and buildings, raked leaves, painted cabins, sanded down vehicles, organized and tagged merchandise in the KAA store—K-Kloset.
“Their service was a tremendous blessing and provided much-needed labor to accomplish tasks necessary to prepare camp for campers,” explained Randy Odom, KAA president and CEO. “When our summer staff arrive, they can focus on programming and ministry, instead of cleaning or raking leaves.”
Both churches regularly volunteer service hours at schools and area non-profit organizations. “Our goal [at James River Church) is to find a Christ-serving partner in the community to help with time and energy, as well as financially. Our hope would be monthly to bring a $25,000 value in labor and $25,000 in supplies/resources to a need, property, or an opportunity,” shared Chuck Greenway, James River Church community care pastor.
Scarlett O’Farrell, a member of Southaven Baptist Church, who assisted with painting cabins says volunteer outings such as this are a great opportunity to fellowship with your church friends. But more than that, they provide a chance to contribute to a place that’s going to change lives.
While KAA was blessed by these selfless weekend warriors, we hope their hearts were impacted just as much. Pastor Greenway shared that they hope volunteers leave with an awareness what’s happening in the Kingdom, how families that are being impacted, and how they can be a part of it.
“I had heard about kids across America but never been here,” shared Bryce Hargis, co-director of James River Youth. “It is pretty breathtaking you hear about the history and how many lives it’s touched over the years it’s pretty incredible.”
Volunteering at KAA is just one way individuals, families, churches and businesses can impact lives for Jesus! To learn more about volunteering, please contact Alex Krejci at 417-331-0559 or [email protected].
