Redwood Chapel Hosts Love Castro Valley Day
Members of Redwood Chapel Community Church continue to embrace the spirit of service and generosity, with the latest "Love Castro Valley Day" projects that took place on September 21st bringing transformative changes to various parts of the community. From updating spaces for educators to assisting foster families, this year’s efforts have left a meaningful mark.
One of the standout projects took place at Vannoy Elementary School, where volunteers came together to update the teachers’ lounge. The goal was to bless the staff by creating a space where they could unwind and recharge. The lounge, previously a basic and functional area, is now a welcoming retreat featuring cozy seating, bright decor, and thoughtful amenities. It's a much-needed space for teachers who give so much to their students. Rhianna Franson, co-lead of the project said, “We want to give teachers a space to build community amongst themselves. A home away from home.”
The principal of Vannoy Elementary Soraya Villaseñor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the update, saying, “Thank you!! [This was] a blessing for sure. We are super excited about more and more people wanting to gather in the staff lounge.” Mrs. Schumann, a teacher at Vannoy, also shared her appreciation, saying, “Today I sat in a cozy chair and enjoyed my lunch instead of working while I was eating!”
Volunteers also teamed up with the Alameda County Foster Parent Association to organize the foster children’s closet, which provides essentials like clothing and school supplies for children in foster care. By reorganizing the space, the team helped streamline access to these vital resources, ensuring foster families can quickly and easily find what they need. One volunteer, Sharon Junginger said, “It was an enjoyable time to organize [for the association], and our host was gracious and kind. She inspires me!”
But the impact didn’t stop there. In partnership with ForestR, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean up highways and public spaces, contributing to a more beautiful Castro Valley. Volunteers also worked in the First Presbyterian community garden, which provides fresh produce to marginalized communities. Other volunteers stepped into the homes of local families facing temporary challenges and provided home repairs, yardwork, cleaning, or help with daily tasks to provide much-needed support to these families. Additionally, a dedicated team cooked meals for 90 unhoused guests, offering not just food, but compassion and care. “It’s about more than just a meal,” said volunteer chef and admin at Redwood Chapel, Joan Kady. “It’s about showing our guests that they matter to us and to God.”
In addition to Redwood Chapel’s efforts, 3Crosses Church in Castro Valley also organized a local serve day on September 28, as over 900 volunteers served at 28 locations, including six local schools, Greenridge Park, Lake Merritt, and Kids Against Hunger. They also made hygiene kits for the unsheltered. Both churches continued dedication highlights the collective effort of the community’s faith-based organizations in making a lasting impact throughout East Bay.
For more information about upcoming projects or to get involved in the next “Love Castro Valley Day,” please visit www.lovecv.net
