East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016
Volunteers from the Church of God in Ridgewood spent this past Sunday cheering up residents at Maywood Center for Health and Rehabilitation as part of the East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016. Through an array of activities, including upbeat performances, singing competitions, and dancing, volunteers hoped to lift up the spirits of the elderly residents. The lively mood and atmosphere were a great change of pace for the seniors.
The volunteers organized the event in cooperation with the center’s Head of Activities leaders. And they were more than glad to work with the Church of God.
Barbara and Penny, the usual sources of support and entertainment for the residents, noted how much easier it was to take care of the residents with 30 volunteers serving and comforting them. Not only did volunteers entertain the residents but they also carried out other roles. They moved residents in and out of their rooms. They set up for lunch. And then, they provided entertainment throughout the day.
“You just put so much happiness into their life, they’ll never forget this, and neither will we,” said Barbara, one of the activity leaders. “You don’t usually see youth groups out of a church doing these kinds of volunteer activities.”
The residents enjoyed playing Karaoke and “Guess That TV Show Song” with the volunteers. Even the Church of God choir did a rendition of “You Raise Me Up.”
When asked if they had a good time, the residents had nothing but positive things to say. One resident jokingly said, “I’ve never had so much fun in my life, even when I got married.”
Another resident, when asked about his favorite part of the event, exclaimed, “Everything! I think the whole event was my favorite part.”
It’s not too much to say that the volunteers put excitement and joy in the residents’ hearts. Through these types of events, the Church of God continues to serve society through selfless volunteerism. This is an important aspect of the Church members’ commitment to follow Christ’s example of serving our neighbors.
The visit to the Maywood Center was one of 25 volunteer events taking place on Sunday. Locations on the East Coast, Puerto Rico, and even the Dominican Republic hosted different volunteer events as part of the East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016.
These efforts were part of a multi-state campaign to emphasize the importance of volunteerism. Church of God volunteers are inspired to serve their communities even more after receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. It’s the most prestigious award in the United Kingdom given to organizations that display exceptional contributions to their communities.
It always touches me when I see the selfless acts of the World Mission Society Church of God. It is beautiful to see young adults spending a Sunday afternoon to bring smiles and laughter others.
Wonderful to see youth spending their time helping their neighbors !! And the fact that this was done throuought the East Coast makes for a powerful example to all !!
It’s really encouraging to see my generation taking the lead in world volunteerism! It makes me want to join in and do more for our community!
The youth of the church of God are so bright while having a good time with their seniors. It seems like everyone had a great time!
I think the work that the church does is absolutely fantastic. A selfless act goes a long way especially in today’s society. It’s great to see the efforts that the World Mission Society Church of God is doing for the community.
It is not everyday that anyone takes the time to care for others especially those who live in senior citizen homes they too become so happy when others take the time to visit them and volunteer their precious time just to bring a smile to their faces. It’s so touching how the WMSCOG members brought so much happiness to them truly following the teachings of God of respecting the elderly and bringing them joy too!
I can tell even through the photos that the volunteers and the residents enjoyed themselves a lot during the course of this event. It must not be so easy to entertain people you do not know per say but I can tell the WMSCOG are very friendly people. Good job!
It’s very moving to see the joy and laughter in their eyes, with all the compassion from the members of the World Mission Society Church of God. So amazing to see the youth share with the elderly in harmony.
I heard from many of the residents that they were so happy to have the church members there. Many workers said they have many volunteers but none of them have ever performed or shared as much joy as the Church of God members have. Thank you for bringing a smile and even sharing memories with the elderly members at the Maywood Center.
It’s so inspirational to see so many young people do what is noble especially in these days. I will share this good news with my family and close friends. I hope this will encourage and motivate other young people to serve our communities. May God bless you all!
This is surprising to see. In this day and age, it is not easy to find people who would use their spare time to entertain senior citizens.
These members from the WMSCOG are doing a great deed in the community. It takes a lot of patience and consideration to make such an event joyful for the elderly.
To this, I say, “Bravo”!
Even though many of these residents are very advanced in years,they looked young once again with cheerful smiles. I believe the future of our young people looks very great, can’t wait to see what other activities and events the World Mission Society Church of God has in store.
This is so encouraging to see such young adults volunteering their time to help their community. This is very rare sight in this day and age, and I hope many will be encouraged by the efforts the WMSCOG members are making to better their fellow man. Keep up the great work!