One day — that’s all Love Turlock needs to make a difference in the community.

“Love Turlock is a one-day event that reaches out to those in need in the Turlock community with the love of Christ through simple acts of service,” said Love Turlock Planning Team Leader Craig Brooks.

With the aim of helping in meaningful and practical ways, Love Turlock volunteers in past years have painted, picked up trash, weeded, provided food and other services.

“Teams of people will adopt a project that benefits someone in need,” said Brooks. “Projects are taken on that can successfully be completely in a four-hour period of time by the team and the cost of the materials needed are either provided by the recipient, donated by the group or some combination thereof.”

To compile this year’s list of projects, Brooks reports that Love Turlock volunteers canvassed certain areas of the community to seek out people in need of help. Additionally, projects were nominated for consideration by those in need or by friends of those in need.

“This year, as always, we have some very neat people who just need some help to lift them out of their situation of need,” said Brooks.

Projects for this year’s event include distributing food, playing bingo with senior citizens at Elness Convalescent Hospital, doing arts and crafts with disabled adults, performing music and assisting with yard work. The full project list can be accessed at loveturlock.org.

According to Brooks, who is currently looking for volunteers and leaders for this year’s event, all that a community member needs to lend a helping hand is a “caring heart and a willing spirit to reach out and make a difference in someone’ life.”

“Any community is stronger and more vital if members come together to help one another,” said Brooks.

Although Love Turlock’s ultimate goal of helping the community will not change, Brooks is pleased to announce at least one difference from past years.

 “We are happy to team up with Turlock Unified School District in hosting their RAISE Festival at the fairgrounds in conjunction with the Love Turlock BBQ,” said Brooks. “RAISE is an event that raises awareness through inspiration, support and education.”

To inaugurate this joint venture, over 30 vendors will be on site at the fairgrounds during the Love Turlock event to provide information on various services throughout the Turlock community.

According to Brooks, expected guests include different colleges and universities, medical providers, family counselors, mental health services, recreational opportunity providers and Turlock Fire and Police Departments.

“Family centered activities will also be there at the fairgrounds, including petting zoos, face painting, live music, arts and crafts and canine companions,” said Brooks.

Love Turlock will kick off at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds at 7:30 a.m. on May 2. There will be a free BBQ lunch for the volunteers and the community afterwards from noon to 3 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer, visit loveturlock.org or call 417-5581.