Volunteers Join Hands to build Jacks Valley trail

Staff Reports

Volunteers with the Douglas/Alpine and Carson City chapters of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans joined students from Jacks Valley Elementary School to create a pioneer trail as part of the school's Nevada History Walk on May 6.

The event was part of Join Hands Day, a national day of service to connect youth and adults through volunteer activities. About 65 volunteers participated by preparing a trail lunch while others painted picnic tables.

"It was a successful day on all fronts," said Thrivent project coordinator Linda Reid. "We not only met a need in the community, but created friendships between different generations. The collaboration of youth and adults working together sparked a powerful energy of pride and respect."

During Join Hands Day, students and volunteers listened to stories about pioneer children read by Kathleen Barton's third-grade class. Young Chautauquan Kathleen Reid portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln.

"It's about joining hands and generations to help others," said Renee Walsum, representative of the Carson City Thrivent. "They see they can work together and make a tremendous impact in their own community."

Thrivent Financial chapters meet regularly to plan and execute charitable, social and educational activities.

Join Hands Day is sponsored by America's fraternal benefit societies to give adults and youth a chance to work for the betterment of a community. For more information, visit joinhandsday.org.

"Join Hands Day demonstrates the unique nature of fraternal benefit societies and the significant impact they have on communities every day through member-driven volunteer activities," said Brad Hewitt, senior vice president of fraternal operations at Thrivent Financial.