Residents, churches serve with RealLove

A two-month community service effort on the part of Mat-Su Valley residents and churches culminates July 28 with a Valley-wide day of service, called RealLove.

Service projects thus far include the renovation of several preschools, grounds cleaning of schools, public agencies and senior centers, as well as help for homeless teens, cleaning services for the elderly, handyman help for families of the incarcerated, backpack giveaways and an old-fashioned log cabin raising.

On July 28, volunteers will meet at the Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center before fanning out across the Valley, repairing, cleaning, painting, planting and, most of all, giving of themselves in every way possible.

Events also are planned from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., July 28 at the sports center, including free children’s school physicals on a first-come basis, blood pressure tests, auto safety checks and family/community emergency preparedness seminars.

A community picnic follows at 5:30 p.m. The event includes live music, balloons and treats for kids, a video review of the two months of service, awesome stories of jobs well done and commendations from Gov. Sean Parnell and local mayors.

RealLove is modeled after events that have sprung up throughout the country. Communities elsewhere that have partnered with these types of programs have reported increased ownership by the people of their cities. They experience a resulting decrease in crime, improved support for the disadvantaged, low income or homeless, as well as a cleaner and more beautiful city.

When the Valley Pastors Prayer Network began to look into how these initiatives made communities a better place to live, it wanted the same for the Mat-Su Valley and RealLove was born.

For a more comprehensive look at RealLove, visit reallovealaska.com. The website has a listing of many of the planned projects and provides an opportunity for Valley residents to join in the volunteering fun.

Local businesses and corporations are invited to partner, either through a financial contribution or donation of needed materials for these projects. Online donations can be made via the website. Donation receipts will be issued for tax purposes.

For more information on how to get involved or donate materials, contact Kathy Conn at 864-6701.