1,400 Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder youth and staff descended on Lemon Grove Park on Sunday, April 16, as part of a community service venture.

“Our group wanted to help beautify our city,” said Bob Wong, youth director for the Adventist Church in the area. He added that their enthusiasm showed—though the clean-up was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., many stayed until 3 o’clock.

A local radio station announced the event throughout the morning, identifying to the community the young people on their streets. Residents and local merchants came out to see what was happening and expressed their appreciation for the work being done. Several asked the young people to return next year, promising to work along with them.

“The kids had a great time,” Wong comments. “They were really excited to see how appreciative the community was, and they want to go back again!”