Countywide : Serve-A-Thon Event Seeking Volunteers

Volunteers are being sought to help the needy Saturday during the first Orange County Serve-A-Thon.

Some volunteers will be asked to help feed the homeless at homeless shelters, while others may help paint over graffiti, pick up debris from beaches or parks or help senior citizens clean their homes and yards.

Organizers, who represent various community service groups, said the event will raise money for Serve-A-Thon, which will use the funds for scholarships and community service grants. Nonprofit organizations, including schools, religious groups, Scout troops and youth sports, will also benefit.

Those who participate will be asked to try to get people to pledge their support with donations. One-third of the money raised will go to any charity of the volunteers’ choice. The rest will go to the nonprofit organizations and Serve-A-Thon.

So far, about 1,000 people, mostly high school students, have signed up.

“The whole purpose of the event is to sensitize youths to the need to do community service and to expose them to people who need help,” said John Byrne, a Serve-A-Thon organizer. “Basically, we’re trying to promote awareness in a way that they can connect in a wider sense with their community.”

After the work is done, volunteers will be treated to a reception at Knott’s Berry Farm from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call (714) 660-8525.