Chico Enterprise Record Articles

Chico Enterprise Record - October 19, 2009

Where's the love? Well, right here in Chico, as local churches join forces to do service in a community they cherish,.

Evan Burt, Staff Writer, Chico -- Chico's faithful decided to take to the streets and spread the love Sunday.

As part of a joint effort among 19 local churches, an estimated 3,000 people passed by traditional church services to help clean up various schools, parks and public locations. "We're all over the city," said Larry Lane, a project leader at Butte County Library. Lane said about 50 people showed up at the library along to pitch in with cleaning, both inside and outside the building. Families worked to dust tables, clean keyboards and pick up trash.

And the effort was greatly appreciated, said Susan Rauen, branch librarian. "We can never keep up with the cleanup that's required," she said. "This is just absolutely perfect that this is happening."

This year, people showed up at dozens of locations, such as the American Cancer Society and Rosedale, to help out.

The collective effort, known as "Love Chico" had as few as four churches participating just last year. It has grown through viral popularity, said Lisa Stone, event coordinator.

Many people will drive or walk by the projects and take an interest she said. Over time, they may participate in Love Chico and come back for future activities.

The spirit of the day is really about giving back to the community and letting people know the churches aren't just private organizations that keep to themselves, Lane said.

"We wanted to make a statement." he said." It was so important that we love Chico that we were willing to give up our services on a Sunday."

Mary McLaughlin and Annabelle Lewis, who helped paint the Jesus Center, agreed. McLaughlin, of the Evangelical Church, said community service is important to her. "When you do something like this, it makes you feel good," she said. "It's hard to get up at seven in the morning and do it. But once you do, you get really energized."

Lewis said the key was to help improve the city without making people feel uneasy. "We don't push, we love." she said.

One of the larger assignments took lace at FairView High School. In fact, the common area at the school was so full of weeks that nobody could see the plants before people showed up to clear the area, said Eric German, who brought his four kids to help out.

Other areas at the schools, such as the bike racks received a new paint job by students from Grace Brethren Church. And many rakes, trimmed and bagged to pitch in.

At the conclusion of the citywide activities, those who participated in Love Chico met at the City Plaza to share what they did and celebrate together. At noon, hundreds filled the plaza to get a sense of the larger picture and relate through their individual efforts.

Half of those registered helpers were expected to converge on the plaza by day's end.

Local vendors also showed up to complement the choir music playing in the plaza with food and beverages, a gesture Stone said everybody loved.

Many businesses gave as much as $20,000 to the volunteers, so it was good to be able to give back by financially supporting them.

But at the end of the day, the effort has a simple purpose, she said. "It's about 19 local churches getting together and celebrating the body of Christ."

Chico Enterprise Record - October 24, 2009

Jann Reed, CUSD - Love Chico Event Sets Good Example,.

On Sunday morning I visited the public schools where Love Chico volunteers were at work. This was a very special worship and service to our community. Their goal was to improve the physical condition of Chico's schools. It was amazing. There were scores of people working diligently for the benefits of Chico's kids. I was touched deeply that so many people care about our schools. And everyone seemed to be having fun.

By their actions, Loe Chico folk demonstrated their dedication to the students who are the future of our town. One of the fundamental beliefs of Americans is our obligation to educate our children. A well-educated society will then have an obligation to give back to the community to which it belongs. That is what happened on Sunday. Love Chico's gift and generosity set the stage for others to follow.

The employees of CSEA, who perform the daily and ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds of CUSD, have had their ranks and budget reduced due to the decline in the state economy. I thank these employees for understanding we need the support of our community to maintain the schools that belong to all of us. These hard-working employees will pick up where Love Chico finished on Sunday and continue to keep CUSD schools in good repair. The condition of our schools reflects the attitude of our community toward its future leaders.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Chico by participation in Love Chico.

--Jann Reed, Chico

Chico Enterprise Record - October 19, 2009

Bill Such, Director, Jesus Center - Appreciation overwhelms Jesus Center,.

The Jesus Center is basking in gratitude. First, red-hatted ladies brought in 88 warm winter coats for homeless men, women and children. Then, Greek fraternity students invade the warehouse with over 2,000 cans of assorted vegetables and fruits. Finally, Love Chico provided an army of serious and aspiring painters who loving brush strokes covered the entire Jesus Center facility in two-tone paint. Thank you Chico for the expanse of your community spirit.

--Bill Such, Chico