I Heart Sisters campaign serves community

The second annual I Heart Sisters event is scheduled for September 25. Sisters area churches will unite in working in and for the Sisters community.

About 300 volunteers will work together to paint, build fences, weed planting beds, rake lawns, do handyman projects, collect food for the Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank, prepare firewood and do other projects for the elderly and disabled, area veterans, local schools and city properties.

Volunteers will work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., then meet at Sisters Community Church for lunch prepared by St. Edward the Martyr Catholic Church volunteer chefs, and for a time of sharing about the day.

Volunteers will be working across Central Oregon that same day as churches in other towns marshal their volunteers to support their communities.

Under the banner phrase "Love is Action," I Heart Central Oregon is a nonprofit event designed to ignite acts of service throughout Central Oregon.

It is a faith-based initiative with a goal to facilitate positive change through days of service and dynamic community events. The campaign is partially funded by a grant from the International Foursquare Foundation. Additional funding is provided through personal, nonprofit and corporate sponsors. If you would like to make a donation, please refer to the contact named below.

Acts of services will be provided at no charge to anyone. If you (or someone you know) need help with cleaning up your yard or for other kinds of help and can't afford to pay for it, you are encouraged to let your situation be known to John Gerke at [email protected] or 541-549-4976.

Make contact by Saturday, September 18 to be considered.

The public is invited to a rock concert and an inspirational talk at 7 p.m. on September 25 at Hooker Creek Event Center on the fairgrounds in Redmond, featuring acoustic rock music by Elliot (www.elliotband.com).

Inspirational speaker, Nick Vujicic will share how he overcame extreme adversity. Born without arms or legs, Nick learned to deal with his disability and to embrace his situation and then he achieved remarkable things. Nick credits his victory to his faith, his family and the many friends he has made throughout life (www.lifewithoutlimbs.org). Tickets may be picked up for free at Sisters Coffee Co., or may be purchased for $10 at the door on the night of the event.

To sign up as a volunteer, visit http://www.theheartcampaign.com (you may choose the project on which you wish to work). The "I Heart Sisters" city coordinator and contact is John Gerke at [email protected]; 541-549-4976. Those interested may also leave notes for him at Sisters Community Church.