More helpers needed for 'Spring Spruce Up'

More than 700 volunteers from Salt Lake area churches, youth groups and businesses will wield rakes, shovels and pruning shears next Saturday, participating in the annual "Spring Spruce Up" that will benefit several hundred elderly residents. But organizers are looking for additional help.

LifeCare Bank is hosting the event on Saturday, April 30. The day will begin at 8 a.m. at the Community Services Council offices, 1025 S. 700 West, where pre-registered volunteers will get matching T-shirts and a free breakfast before being assigned to one of more than 200 homes throughout the Salt Lake Valley to weed, mow, rake and clean a yard.

To date, at least 500 of the scheduled volunteers come from local churches, including six LDS wards, Mount Olympus Presbyterian Church and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Amberlie Phillips with LifeCare Bank said the agency is hoping for 1,000 volunteers to participate. She said calls continue to come in, particularly from LDS groups, because the day coincides with the church's annual "Day of Service" on April 30 — meaning LDS wards and youth groups are scheduled to be out working in the community.

"Spring Spruce Up is a fantastic way for volunteers to make a difference in the lives of low-income seniors and people with disabilities throughout our community, " said LifeCare Bank director Lynn Samsel. "Many LifeCare clients are in a situation where they are physically unable to take proper care of their yards and in many circumstances are unable to maintain their homes.

"Volunteers are encouraged to participate on Saturday and throughout the rest of the year."

In addition to the interfaith volunteers, Beneficial Financial is providing 40 employee volunteers. Albertsons, Great Harvest Bread, Meadow Gold and Starbucks are also involved in the effort.

The annual spruce-up project will continue with a variety of volunteers through the month of May. To volunteer, call Taylor Beckstead at 887-1229. Volunteers should be age 12 or older.

LifeCare also assists clients with home repairs, prescription drugs and food assistance. Last year, volunteers performed more than 4,500 chore services, 3,500 home repairs and delivered more than 11,000 food boxes at no charge to clients.