Renton Takes Part In National Day Of Service

About 1,000 volunteers will roll up their sleeves this weekend and take part in service projects around Renton.

The event takes place in conjunction with President Obama's National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of September 11, which was started in 2009. 

"We're building on the success of last year," said Bonnie Rerecich, Renton's neighborhoods, resources and events coordinator. 

In Renton, the city will observe the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Saturday, September 10, 2011, with hundreds of volunteers working together on projects to make a difference in the community. Last year nearly 800 people participated in the event, which was "fostered and kicked off" by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Stake President Bruce Taggart said the event is all about giving back.

"Why not do something that can really give back to our community, the City of Renton?" he said. Taggart and other organizers are already planning for next year's event.

Taggart has high hopes for an even bigger communities service project next year, but is satisfied with how the current Day of Service is shaping up.

"It's as big as the City resources can handle this year," he said 

The City of Renton partnered with  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and other local agencies to provide volunteer opportunities on Saturday, including Neighborhood Associations, Renton Rotary City of Renton Community Services Department, Volunteer CHORE Services, King Conservation District, King County Parks, CAST For Kids Foundation, Renton Area Youth Services (RAYS), Renton Housing Authority and Renton Salvation Army Rotary Food Bank. 

There will be 30 different projects underway ranging from park and natural area beautification and restoration, to marking and distributing educational material about storm water drains, and exterior and interior house maintenance for seniors and those with disabilities.

All volunteer opportunities are full this year, Rerecich said.

Most projects begin at 9 a.m. and wrap up around 1 p.m. in time for a celebration picnic at Liberty Park where Mayor Denis Law and Taggart will join the volunteers and make brief remarks.