EATON — Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is celebrated each year in April. Hundreds of thousands of young people around the world participate in this event by partnering with schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and faith based groups to meet the needs of those in their community.

Over 1,100 youth-led projects across the United States and in 95 countries around the world have been accomplished. (according to newswire.com) Young people are powerful when they lead through service, sacrifice, unity, empathy and philanthropy.

Here at home, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Eaton partnered with the Community of Faith Church and the Preble County Youth for Christ for a full four hours of service.

Also in attendance were Brad Collins, Eaton City Manager and Daniel Gray, Preble County Maintenance Director, who helped tremendously.

This team of 23 painted picnic tables and picked up debris from the Water Works Park in Eaton from 9-11 a.m., then traveled to Preble County Preschool and spread three mountains of mulch on the playground. By 1 p.m., everyone was tired, but the jobs were accomplished.

One volunteer said, “I am so tickled that this project included more than one church. It was a great day to make new friends.”

Youth signed up for these two projects using JustServe.org, a website where organizations post their volunteer needs and volunteers search for places to serve in the community.