SUNBURY -- Cindy Knight donned a yellow vest, picked up a rake and joined about 300 fellow Mormons in a large-scale spring cleanup in the city Saturday morning.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints painted parking meters, stained gazebos in Cameron Park and along Front Street and raked leaves in playgrounds and several public areas throughout Sunbury.
Knight, of Port Trevorton, said she was thrilled to be part of the effort to spruce up the city.
"We moved (to the Valley) from Texas 20 years ago and always loved Sunbury, its older homes, historic feel, and the people were so friendly," Knight said. "It's neat to have a chance 20 years later to do something like this."
The church has done similar service projects throughout the world for more than 20 years, but it's the first time it's been held in the Valley, said project coordinator Michael Hoffman, of Williamsport.
Several communities were approached, he said, and Mayor Jesse Woodring was the most receptive about the proposal to beautify the city.
"It's a Christian service. We're trying to spread goodwill," Hoffman said.
About 20 city employees joined the cleanup.
Woodring was pleased with the turnout and outcome.
"It's astounding what we've accomplished today," he said.
Volunteers came from across the state and included Woodring's sister, Beverly Southwell, of Altoona, a member of the Mormon church.
"It was a great community effort," he said. "We're not only happy with the work that's been done, but the meaning of it all. People getting involved to help communities."
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300 Mormons embark on large-scale city cleanup
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