Information for the Press

ATLANTA, February, 2012 — This spring, volunteers in ten Southern States and surrounding areas in Texas, Indiana, Illinois and Virginia, will participate in a season of service. This 4th annual service project provides thousands of volunteers in community organizations, faith-based groups and local government agencies the opportunity to link arms and lend a helping hand to those in need.

By rallying around individuals in need, organizations that serve the homeless and communities struggling in these tough economic times, demonstrate the strength and power of the American spirit. Unlike the two previous years, this season of service will be organized by local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), in an effort to more fully meet the needs of local individuals and organizations.

The season of service is the vision of Elder Walter F. Gonzalez, member of the Presidency of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter?day Saints, who presides over church affairs in the Southern part of the United States. For the third year in a row, he challenged every congregation under his jurisdiction to link arms with other churches and civic organizations to render significant and unselfish community service. The first Day of Service was held on April 25, 2009.

When Gonzalez gave the Day of Service challenge to LDS leaders to implement, he said that by linking arms and giving service, every community could become a better place to live. He added that people will forget their own problems as they experience the joy of service.

Download Photographs for Press Use

These photographs are of 2011 Day of Service events for press use. Click on the photos below to load a full-size press-quality image for use in publication.