In a remarkable display of community spirit, thousands of young people across the globe participated in Global Youth Service Day from April 25-27, 2025. This initiative, supported by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, saw youth engaging in various service projects aimed at uplifting their communities and embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Global Participation: Youth from multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Argentina, took part in service activities.
- Diverse Projects: Activities ranged from environmental cleanups to building beds for children in need.
- Community Impact: The projects not only helped those in need but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among participants.
Community Service Highlights
Across the United States, youth engaged in a variety of impactful projects:
- Oregon: Youth from the Ontario Oregon Stake participated in yard work at the Hikaru Mizu Japanese Garden and helped at Project Dove, an emergency shelter for domestic violence victims. Lynelle Christiani, the executive director of Project Dove, expressed gratitude for the assistance, stating, "We’re very grateful, beyond grateful, that we have the extra help."
- Idaho: Hundreds of teens cleared dead trees and limbs at the Idaho Youth Ranch tree farm, with volunteer Albany Blaisdell noting, "I really like doing service because it makes my faith stronger and helps me become more like Christ."
- Oklahoma and Texas: Fifty stakes collaborated to build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization serving children without beds. Jacob Mendenhall, president of the Oklahoma City Stake, emphasized the importance of selflessness in service, saying, "There is nothing like looking outside of ourselves in our own needs."
- Arizona: Young women packed duffle bags for children in foster care, while over 200 youth from the Mesa Arizona Lehi Stake created cards for the elderly and made Mother’s Day kits for care home residents.
International Efforts
The spirit of service extended beyond the U.S. borders:
- Argentina: Youth collected and sorted refuse to promote environmental cleanliness, successfully gathering 100 bags of trash in just an hour and a half.
- Canada: In Edmonton, youth helped with a spring cleanup at the KARA Family Resource Centre, cleaning playgrounds and weeding flower beds.
- Puerto Rico: Volunteers assisted the Largo Plazo de Puerto Rico disaster relief center, painting buildings and improving facilities for vulnerable populations.
The Power of Service
Participants expressed how these service projects not only benefited their communities but also enriched their personal faith and sense of belonging. Many youth shared their experiences, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others.
For instance, volunteer Ivy Matthew from Arizona remarked, "I hope the card finds the right person and that it reaches someone who really needs it."
The collective efforts of these young individuals demonstrate the profound impact of community service, fostering connections and promoting a culture of giving. As they continue to serve, these youth embody the values of compassion and charity, making a lasting difference in their communities and beyond.
Sources
- Youth help their communities for Global Youth Service Day – Church News, Church News.
- How Latter-day Saints Changed Lives in Honor of Global Youth Service Day, newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org.
