DENVER, Colo. — From Denver to Colorado Springs, Grand Junction to Greeley and most cities in between, more than 4,000 members of the Church heeded the call from Colorado Gov. Bill Owens to commemorate Colorado's birthday on July 29 by participating with others in hundreds of community service projects on Colorado Cares Day. Colorado gained statehood 130 years ago on Aug. 1, 1876.
This year's projects included helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity; assisting with conservation efforts to weed thistles, repair trails, clear properties and install fence posts; assembling care kits for homeless shelters and assisted living centers; painting homes; and gathering food for interfaith food banks. Despite working long hours in hot sun and dry conditions, the volunteers worked hand in hand with members of other faiths, government officials and community leaders.
"Our Christmas came in July this year. Thank you for your organization and help," said Maria Pearson, community relations director of Inter-Faith Community Services Food Bank in Highlands Ranch that received 18,000 pounds of food and supplies from the
citywide drive.
"The people are so grateful for the care and support you (the LDS Church) have given them," Clara Cabanis from SALUD, a family heath care organization that received more than 600 personal hygiene kits for homeless shelters including migrant farm workers.
"This has become somewhat of a tradition during the past eight years of Gov. Owens' administration," said Ilene Dibble, the Church's Denver Key City public affairs director. "Youth and adults alike plan projects in the summer to benefit Colorado communities on Colorado Cares Day."
Some 25,000 LDS volunteers have participated in Colorado Cares Day projects since its inception in 1999.