Volunteers, city employees donate time to help with cleanup
Published 7:00 am Tuesday, July 21, 2015
WITH HELP FROM FRIENDS: Pictured, a volunteer drills into the plywood, securing the home’s front door. Photo by Ashley Collins.
Monday, volunteers from First Baptist Church of Picayune assisted city employees in the cleanup of a privately owned home in Holly Court.
The project is part of the church’s weeklong community service project. From Sunday, July 19 to July 25, church volunteers are performing various community service projects, including at the county jail and local schools, said Ryan Wade, associate pastor at the church.
“We’re always going on mission trips to different countries and we decided to do a mission right here in our own town,” Wade said.
Earlier this year, the church contacted the city of Picayune to determine a need for volunteers to conduct a particular project. Picayune Public Works Director Eric Morris received word and passed it along to Darryl Smith, Picayune grounds and beautification supervisor, who came up with the home cleanup project.
“We are very thankful for these volunteers. This was probably one of the most worthy causes in terms of property cleanups. This will be good for the property owner and the city and we appreciate their participation,” Morris said.
The home is owned by an elderly resident who isn’t able to perform the cleanup required by the property cleanup division within the code enforcement office in Picayune, Morris said.
Volunteers worked on various tasks around the home, including cutting the grass, trimming the bushes and clearing the land of fallen tree limbs. Since the homeowner is currently hospitalized, volunteers secured the home’s windows and doors with plywood, Wade said.
“If we follow Jesus, we ought to be doing the things Jesus did. We came not to be served but to serve others,” Wade said.
In a press release issued by the city, Picayune Mayor Ed Pinero said, “I am very excited that First Baptist Church is giving of their time for the good of the community and I support the effort wholeheartedly.”
The church plans to host fun activities throughout the week, including a family movie night showing “Night at the Museum” at Jack Read Park on Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. Popcorn and drinks will be available, Wade said.
HELPING HAND: City employees and church volunteers work together to lift the plywood out of the truck bed. The plywood was used to secure the home’s windows and doors. Photo by Ashley Collins.
