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Random acts make a difference in community
(by Rachael Stewart Ingram, staff writer - July 09, 2012)
If you traveled through Olde Pickerington on the morning of June 30, you undoubtedly saw pockets of people throughout town in bright teal T-shirts.
You may have even enjoyed a bottle of water and some popcorn given to you by these same samaritans.
ACTS of Pickerington took the city by storm - despite being literally, after a major storm - and completed various service projects and acts of good will.
“Our goal is to work together as churches and break denominational lines,” said Kelly Zimmerman, ACTS of Pickerington coordinator.
ACTS stands for Active Christians Transforming Society and consists of five local churches: C3, Grace Fellowship, Grace Lutheran, Pickerington Christian and Sycamore Creek. Members of each church were invited to participate in the service day, as well as work on a fundraising component to offset the cost of food for a Stop Hunger Now party and meal packaging event that benefits local food banks.
Service projects included city beautification, which entailed window washing, weed-pulling and after the previous night’s storms, debris clean-up.
In addition, two playgrounds received much-needed updates thanks to city officials and ACTS volunteers.
“We were able to partner with the city to make safety improvements at the Victory and Sycamore parks,” Zimmerman said.
The city purchased the materials, which included three semis worth of mulch that ACTS volunteers used to increase the depth and distance of playground barriers.
Pickerington and Violet Township first responders and medical personnel were treated to homemade goods and cards delivered by another group of volunteers.
In light of the conditions groups worked in the night of June 29 and into the early hours June 30, the treats were welcomed.
Local firefighters and EMTs said they enjoyed meeting under good circumstances and appreciated groups like ACTS for their support.
Several volunteers also set up shop throughout town at various intersections and local businesses to distribute water and popcorn.
Power outages across the city created a bit of trouble for the group, but that didn’t dampen their spirits.
“The power is out at our location, so we may not have popcorn, but we can still share the love of Jesus.,” said Jan O’Daniel, a volunteer from Grace Fellowship.
For more information about ACTS or any of the participating churches, visit www.actsofpickerington.com.
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