Raleigh Stake Day of Service

April 25th was a day of service in the Raleigh Stake and all across the North America Southeast Area of the Church. Here are some pictures . . .

Marilyn, in her capacity as the director of public affairs for the stake, worked with the priesthood leadership to plan and organize things. Steve Bodhaine, the multi-stake public affairs director, was on hand to record the project. We had a "family fun run"--a 5k race/walk. The price of admission was donated food or clothing. The food went to the Central & Eastern North Carolina Food Bank. Clothing went to the LifeCare Pregnancy Center (a group that encourages unwed mothers not to abort) and the Salvation Army.

We kicked off early in the morning. The weather was perfect. 800 people registered early and, with walk-ins, we estimate about 1,000 people participated. The theme for our project was "Lengthen Your Stride".

"Marshall" Barnes, Doc Weber and other committee members made sure everything was ready.

As the formalities began, the Primary children sang "I Am a Child of God". President Epps and Jennifer Absher gave instructions.

The "race" wandered through the neighborhood behind the Wake Forest chapel. Serious runners soon left the others behind.

Doc Weber and his team made sure there was drinking water along the route.

Some ran . . . some walked.

Not dead last, but close. The Stevensons didn't seem to mind.

From Zebulon: the Simpsons and their neighbors.

How much food did we collect? A bunch! We had collection points in each of the buildings across the stake. This shows what was collected at the Wake Forest building. In addition, cash donations totaled over $2,000.

Lots of clothing as well. It had to be sorted, with maternity and infant clothing going to LifeCare and the rest going to the Salvation Army.