East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016
On September 25, 2016, more than 50 members from the World Mission Society Church of God in Philadelphia gathered in Leigh Valley to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk. Not only does it raise awareness but the walk also helps to raise funds for research. The hope is to help find cures and ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients. In the United States alone, approximately 171,550 people are expected to be diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2016.
To support the cause, Church of God members woke up early in the morning to volunteer at the Light the Night Walk. Volunteers started their day by setting up tents, banners, basket raffles, and stations for merchandise, food and beverages. Volunteers also played many different roles throughout the day. Some welcomed and guided participants. Meanwhile, others took care of the children’s zone, entertaining and putting smiles on the children’s faces.
But most of the volunteers supported the walk by cheering on the survivors and their families and friends who participated. Helen DeHaven, the Campaign Specialist of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, expressed her thanks to the volunteers as well. Furthermore, she said that their presence energized the participants and changed the atmosphere of the event.
The event concluded with a striking fireworks show. The Church of God volunteers, however, remained at the site to wrap up all the activities and clean.
Ellen Rubesin, the Executive Director of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society said, “You guys are the best group of volunteers that we have worked with.”
She even invited the members to come back again to support future walks. As the Church of God volunteers always strive to serve their community, they did not hesitate to reply, “Yes, definitely!”
This effort was part of the East Coast Volunteer Service Day 2016. On the same day, 25 Church of God locations participated in various types of volunteer activities. Not only on the East Coast, but even in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, volunteers served their communities together. The East Coast Volunteer Service Day was part of a public awareness campaign to emphasize the importance of volunteerism.
Being part of the Volunteer service for the Light the Night Walk. Was an amazing experience seeing the beautiful smiles on the people who are fighting with Leukemia and Lymphoma. Our Church of God members volunteers brought joy and happiness to the beautiful faces of survivors.
This was my first volunteering for the LLS. I had no idea how many people are affected by blood cancer diseases. Volunteering with the Church of God for this cause was incredibly fulfilling. I look forward to more unique volunteer opportunities with the Church.
I was fortunate enough to participate in the LLS walk this year. It felt great knowing that I was able to give back for a good cause. Knowing how appreciative the staff was, and seeing some of them cry because of our hard work really moved me. I hope to able to join again this year.
This event took place a month before I was a member but it’s an honorable feeling to say that I am now an active member of The World Mission Society Church of God because of events like this. I have only been able to participate in two events this year but plan to be apart of many more to come.
I have never experienced a church that is not only actively keeping all teachings of God but also gives back to society by participating many volunteer activities. I have volunteered prior coming to Church of God, though people were showing up to events, they were never joyful or enthusiastic to work. I was so shocked when I did my first volunteer event with Church of God, it was absolutely different from previous ones. Church of God surely is the light and the salt of the world, I have never met so many individuals that works selflessly for the benefit of others from walks to blood drives, clean ups to elderly care. I can’t wait to participate on the next event and invite all my friends and family to come.
I didn’t know before, but the “Light the Night” walk is a pretty popular event. Many of supporters who joined the walk had been doing so for years. However, they mentioned that this time was different. The Church of God volunteers cheered for each individual group by name as they were walking. Although it was something small, they catered to all the sufferers and supports of leukemia and lymphoma indivually. Great job guys!
I think it’s great that the Church of God was able to partner with LLS for this good cause. I’m really proud of all the members who woke up early and made a lot of effort to make the event a success. Just awesome people making a difference in this world.