Thousands of needy people throughout Los Angeles County were the beneficiaries of La Cañada Presbyterian Church’s Serve Day on May 1, as volunteers fanned out to spend the day working on behalf of various nonprofit organizations.
A total of 398 participants, ranging in age from 2 to 94, worked on projects with 13 regional organizations. Dinners were served to the homeless, a baby shower was held for expectant mothers at a care home, choral music was performed at a senior residential facility and a fence was built at a tutoring center, among many projects.

“Serve Day is such a great way to put our faith into action, unite people across generations and walks of life, and use our time to benefit the community,” said Rev. Megan Katerjian, interim associate pastor of Outreach at LCPC. “We were thrilled so many participated. We look forward to next year.”
In one example, 41 participants presented a Foster Kids’ Night Out at Child SHARE, which serves abused and at-risk children.
“The kids had such an incredible time playing with the bubbles, and some of the boys didn’t even want to eat [because] they were having too much fun playing games,” said Amanda Bell of Child SHARE. “What a wonderful gift the night was to all in attendance!”
Crista Murray, an LCPC member and Serve Day participant, said, “I saw God at work when I saw how happy these kids were. From a little painting to some Lego building to the bubble show and play time, I had forgotten that it doesn’t take much in terms of activities and attention to make a child happy.”
Other projects in Pasadena and surrounding communities included the revitalization of a rose garden at Harambee Ministries, food for the homeless through Union Station and Brothers’ Helpers, donations to the Union Rescue Mission Thrift Store truck, LCPC Chancel Choir concert at Monte Vista Grove Homes, baby shower at Elizabeth House, dinner and chapel at the Walter Hoving Home, Moms’ Night Out for Casa de Alegria, work days for Door of Hope and Bridges, and donations of blood to the Red Cross.
“The enthusiasm and wanting to serve was palpable,” said David Austin, an LCPC member who led a project. “Our group was motivated and happy to be there.”
For more information about La Cañada Presbyterian Church and its Outreach Programs, worship services and other activities, visit lacanadapc.org or call (818) 790 6708.