Local Churches Make a Difference in Fremont, California

Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison, Resonate Church Pastor Ryan Kwon and Thornton Jr. High Students
Make a Difference Day 2014

Several local churches poured their hearts into Thornton Junior High on Make a Difference Day, October 25, 2014. Registration had to be closed because of the overwhelming interest in the project, as 450 volunteers signed up to do handyman chores, cleaning and landscaping. Despite pouring rain for most of the morning and a maxed out parking lot, people came in droves. The school, located at 4357 Thornton Avenue in Fremont, also heavily promoted the event, and many students were there to help.

Make a Difference Day in Fremont, California

The Junior High is well maintained, but needed some beautifying after years of normal wear and tear. Principal Stan Hicks asked for landscaping at the front of the school for curb appeal, something he'd always wanted but could never find room for in the budget. He was pleasantly surprised when he was asked for a longer To-Do list for the cadre of volunteers, and he provided his wish list.

Principal Stan Hicks, Vice Principal Harry Pabley, Pastor Scott Taylor and
Volunteers With a New Picnic Table

Hicks said, "I've been here eight years and this is the biggest community outpouring I've ever seen." The basketball court needed re-striping and new hoops and backboards, the stage and a boys' bathroom needed paint, classrooms needed cleaning and weeds had to be removed. Students have been eating their lunches sitting on the blacktop, so eight new picnic tables were purchased and installed outside. One extensive project was rebuilding the bleachers with new lumber.

Thornton Jr. High Students Thank Sponsors

Christine Szeto, Coordinator for the workday from Resonate Church, says that the only reason they were able to accomplish as much as they did was because students, parents, community members, and multiple churches came together for one cause-to make a difference at Thornton Jr High. Businesses and organizations also participated by donating food, supplies, and funds. Sponsors included Chipotle, Dale Hardware, Dino's, Francis Donuts, Friesen Painting, Prime Metropolis Properties, MM Landscape Services, Noah's Bagels, Peak Performance Physical Therapy, Starbucks, Sunstate Equipment Company, Thornton PTSA, Sayf-T-Bar and Kelly Moore Paints.

Repaired Basketball Hoops

Make a Difference Day is a yearly national event, and the City of Fremont always participates. 100 projects were in progress, and Resonate Church's effort was the largest. It attracted the attention of Mayor Bill Harrison, who came midday to see the volunteers in action. "I've seen so much energy here," he said. "Thanks for giving back; that's important." Superintendent Dr. Jim Morris and School Board Members Desiree Campbell and Larry Sweeney also came to express their appreciation.

Repairing the Bleachers

photos by Christine Szeto and Steve Davis

 

Resonate Church strives to be of benefit to the City of Fremont and the surrounding community. They meet on Sunday mornings at American High School, 36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, for services at 8:30, 10:30 and 12:30 a.m. Grace Church Fremont meets at 9:30 a.m. and Cedar Boulevard Neighborhood Church meets at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.