Arlington Hts. church members help those who help others

On the frosty Saturday morning of April 13, a total of 90 members and friends of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, including 20 children, participated in the church’s fourth annual Service Day.

Members and friends of all ages went out into the community to provide help to five local service organizations. Another group remained in the church building to create projects to lift the spirits of homebound members of the church and others in the local community who are less fortunate.

Five groups of volunteers spent the morning serving at the Arlington Heights Senior Center, Clearbrook, CEDA Northwest, Faith Community Homes, and WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger).

Among the projects completed were landscaping work for the Senior Center; befriending, singing, and working with Clearbrook residents; yardwork, cleaning out a garage, and cleaning four multifloor stairwells at a CEDA facility; office work and preparation of food baskets with donated food for client families of Faith Community Homes; and cleaning, painting, yardwork, window washing and organizing the food pantry for WINGS.

“Cold weather and snowflakes did not dampen anyone’s spirits,” said the Rev. Barbara Gorsky, associate pastor at First Presbyterian. “Our volunteers love the warm feeling that comes with helping organizations in our community that do so much for those in need.”

Elizabeth Gardham, director of community resources for WINGS, continues to appreciate the help provided by First Presbyterian Church each year.

“As always, thanks for another great group,” she told the volunteers serving at WINGS that morning.

In addition to going out into the community, a multigenerational group of volunteers remained at the church to make place mats and napkin rings for clients of Meals on Wheels, wreaths for families served by Faith Community Homes, and flower pots for homebound members of the church.

“Church members and friends of all ages enjoy coming together to encourage and support those in need, and Service Day is the perfect opportunity to do this,” said Gorsky.

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights is at 302 N. Dunton Ave. For information, call (847) 255-5900 or visit www.fpcah.org.

Ÿ Send Your news to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.com.