‘Love Castro Valley Day’: Redwood Chapel Serves the Community
On Saturday, June 8, the Castro Valley community came together for a day of service and camaraderie during the inaugural Love Castro Valley Day. Organized by Redwood Chapel Community Church as an outreach event, this initiative brought together local residents and organizations to make a tangible difference in their community.
Redwood Chapel partnered with Castro Valley Outreach to spread the word to families in the community that there are people committed to helping with small projects. This collaboration ensured that a diverse range of needs was met, from yard cleanups and gardening to minor home repairs and beautification projects. Redwood Chapel also joined forces with ForestR, a local nonprofit organization focused on creating a healthier, more sustainable, and cleaner community.
Flyers were posted throughout Castro Valley and social media seeking projects. All businesses, organizations and individuals could submit a request for assistance. With the exception of projects that required professional expertise, most of the project requests were met.
The twenty-eight volunteers, including Redwood Chapel’s Lead Pastor Jeff Miller, assembled eagerly at their designated meeting locations, brimming with enthusiasm and a unified sense of mission. Equipped with tools and supplies, each team dispersed throughout Castro Valley to tackle various projects submitted for their attention. Some volunteers collaborated closely with local homeowners, engaging in painting jobs, yard maintenance, and home organization tasks. Meanwhile, another group dedicated their efforts to the community garden located at the First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, which serves as a vital resource for marginalized community members. A meal of Chicken Alfredo, garlic bread and cookies plus cards of encouragement were delivered to eight homeowners.
Additionally, a team supported by Forrester concentrated on clearing and enhancing stretches of the local highway, thereby markedly enhancing both the area's aesthetic appeal and its safety standards. Together, these committed volunteers exemplified the power of community spirit and collective action in effecting positive change within their neighborhood.
Redwood Chapel’s Pastor of Discipleship Kory Keefauver remarked “We’re thrilled with the turnout and the incredible impact we were able to achieve in just a few hours. Love Castro Valley Day truly embodied the spirit of our community, bringing people together to support one another and enhance our shared spaces. In addition, it was good for my own soul.”
As the morning drew to a close, volunteers gathered to share their experiences and celebrate their accomplishments. This event marked the beginning of what Redwood Chapel’s organizers hope will become an annual tradition of continually reinforcing the bonds within Castro Valley. Plans are already underway for next year’s Love Castro Valley Day, with the aim of expanding its reach and impact even further.
Community Outreach Director Jamie Lam stated “Beyond the visible enhancements to the physical landscape, Love Castro Valley Day ignited a profound sense of unity and solidarity among those residents who received assistance as well as those who served the community in general. At the heart of the event was the powerful message of ‘love your neighbors,’ conveyed through acts of kindness and selfless service. As volunteers resumed their daily routines, they carried with them lasting memories of the day's meaningful accomplishments and new relationships with residents in Castro Valley. In a world where community spirit can often seem in short supply, Love Castro Valley Day was a heartening reminder of the power of collective action and the difference it can make.”
If you or your organization would like to be involved, please contact Jamie Lam at Redwood Chapel Community Church at 510-886-6300 or email her at JLam@RedwoodChapel.org.
