Faith, service and community: Volunteers clean up Spring Valley Memorial Park
The nonprofit Christian organization spent the day picking up litter, improving the park and selling donated clothing and other items to residents.
A day of service brought dozens of volunteers to Spring Valley Memorial Park on Saturday, where members of Elim Friends combined a community cleanup effort with charitable outreach.
The nonprofit Christian organization spent the day picking up litter, improving the park and selling donated clothing and other items to residents.
“We are coming from Elim Friends, a nonprofit organization,” said Jose Son. “While hiking, we discovered there’s a lot of places that we need to clean up, which is Spring Valley here, to help the community and clean up the parks.”
According to organizers, volunteers were divided into teams — one focused on cleaning the park, while another distributed donations collected through the organization.
“There’s two teams,” said Rev. Samuel Sung of Hackensack, New Jersey. “One team is to clean up the park. The other team is to bring the donations that we have received.”
Elim Friends raises money and collects donations to support immigrants arriving in the United States and people in need around the world.
During Saturday’s event, residents were able to purchase donated clothing and shoes for a nominal cost, helping stretch family budgets while providing needed items.
“It holds money in your pocket, but you’re also able to get what you need for your kids,” said Spring Valley resident Michelle P., who attended the event with her godson.
Organizers say the group’s name comes from a biblical reference to Elim, an oasis where the Israelites rested after the Exodus.
“Elim is oasis,” Sung explained. “Right after the Exodus, the Israelites were able to rest.”
The day blended service, fellowship and community connection, with volunteers working throughout the park while sharing laughs and building relationships with residents.
Elim Friends also thanked Keep Rockland Beautiful for providing equipment and supplies used during the cleanup effort.
