Volunteers gather around a grateful resident in the 2017 Menifee Better Together event. (File photo)
Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate in “Menifee Better Together” on Saturday, April 25, an annual day dedicated to helping seniors and cleaning local neighborhoods and parks.
Now in its 14th year, the event is a partnership between the City of Menifee, the Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council, and the Inland Valley Habitat for Humanity, along with support from local businesses, schools, and churches. The event’s title sponsor is Ares Industrial Management.
“It’s a day where community people, religious organizations, and nonprofits come together,” said Lesa Sobek, former Menifee City Council member and a member of the LDS Church, which is a strong supporter of the event. “We come together to beautify and make a difference in our community.”
Menifee Better Together began with a focus on senior home revitalization projects, helping residents in Sun City neighborhoods who were unable to maintain their yards. But over the years, the effort has grown significantly.
Sobek said volunteers have worked on over 50 homes, while also expanding to park projects, roadside cleanups, and other community beautification efforts. This year’s projects include mulch spreading at Nova Park, Lyle Marsh Park and Lazy Creek Park, a flowerpot project for young children and their families, and senior home revitalization.
“It’s an absolutely beautiful moment of neighbor helping neighbor,” Sobek said. “It’s the community coming together to serve and make a difference for good.”
Organizers hope to welcome around 400 volunteers this year. Those interested in volunteering can sign up at https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/volunteer/#/join-party?k=5515h1klv8cqwl.
On the day of the event, volunteers will check in at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 29725 Bradley Road as early as 7 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided by Miller-Jones Mortuary, and a kick-off ceremony will follow.
Volunteer t-shirts will also be provided. A celebratory BBQ provided by Evans Brown Mortuaries will take place at the church at 11 a.m.
Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register for the event and choose a project that best suits them. Some projects have age requirements, while others are more suited for families or groups.
For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 951-723-3880 or cityofmenifee.us/specialevents.
