Many locals have probably seen large signs around town with two ambiguous words and a date: Love Turlock, May 3. While these signs have piqued the interest of some in the community, they serve as a reminder to many others who have participated in the Love Turlock event before, a volunteer based workday to give back to the community.
According to Craig Brooks, a planning team leader of Love Turlock, the event's mission can be stated in a single sentence: “Love Turlock is a one day high impact event designed to reach out and help those in need in our community with the love of Christ.”Love Turlock is a four-hour long event with the aim of helping locals who have either physical or financial limitations. Teams of five to 20 people set out to perform tasks that include everything from yard work, to repairing fences, painting, and various minor home repairs.
"The goal is for people to go out and act out their faith outside the four walls of the church," said Brooks, who has been on a team for the past seven months planning the May 3 event. "We identify needs in the underserved community by walking door to door to speak with individuals and leaving door hangers with information to let them know we're here to do simple tasks."
With an emphasis on inclusivity, last year more than 20 different churches and 15 organizations teamed up to serve the Turlock community and Brooks anticipates an even larger cross-ministry partnership this year. Love Turlock originated as an event titled Servolution seven years ago, but organizers adopted the name Love Turlock once Love Modesto was established in an effort to expand to neighboring communities. Ever since, Love Turlock has become an annual event serving not only those in the community in need, but allowing volunteers to carry out their mission to help others.
This year's Love Turlock event will kick off at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds at 7:30 a.m. with a breakfast served by the Turlock Rural Fire Department and Kiwanis Club of Turlock across the street at the Turlock Rural Fire Department. From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers will complete their projects around town and then return to the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds for a barbecue lunch for the volunteers, recipients and entire community that includes a concert, petting zoo and several activities. Turlock Scavenger will be providing free trash disposal services for the entire event, just as they have the past six years. Those interested in signing up for Love Turlock can do so at www.loveturlock.org.
"Sign up on the website, grab a t-shirt at the kickoff and go out and make a difference," said Brooks.
