"Our first

Great Day of Service was a resounding success," said Fayetteville

First United Methodist Church member Allen Harp. "We had originally

hoped to have about six or seven projects with a hundred volunteers to

paint, build, mow, cook, or wash vehicles."

Harp, who served

as co-lay leader of the project, instead helped establish 16 projects

around the county, all involving nonprofit organizations. Centers such

as the Fayette Samaritans, Fayette Senior Services Center, the Joseph

Sams School and the Fayette Youth Protection Homes received attention

from 230 volunteers who cleaned, washed, organized food closets, did yard

work, installed insulation and built a retaining wall, among other projects.

More than $2,500

worth of materials was donated to complete the work. "We estimated

the hours spent throughout the day," said Harp, "and determined

that at current labor charges, over $15,000 was saved by the organizations."

Other churches

have contacted First Methodist asking to participate in next year's Great

Day of Service.

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