WILLARD—Young volunteers tackled improvement projects at 14 different sites in and around Willard during the 9th annual Back to Heartland Youth Elect Service (YES) weekend held at the end of June.

One hundred participants from communities including Mansfield, Crestline, Galion, Monroeville, Norwalk, Bucyrus, New Washington, Tiro and Lexington gathered at Willard St. Francis Xavier for the weekend of service. They left the church bright and early Saturday to paint houses, clean and do minor repairs and yard work for the elderly or those needing assistance.

Delia Regalado of Willard, Michelle Markley of Bucyrus and Sarah Phillips of Plymouth paint the porch railing of a house during the 9th annual Back to Heartland Youth Elect Service (YES) weekend. (photo courtesy of Sheila Hershiser)

“This group of young people did more in a day then I could have done in a year,” says Chris, a woman who received their assistance. “They were all so friendly and open to do whatever was asked of them. What a blessing they were.”        

The YES project theme, “Heart to God, Hands to Others,” was used during all the prayer times of the weekend.

On Sunday, each team of young people presented a gift to the homeowner they assisted and then returned to St. Francis for 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Sue Bishop of Bucyrus, who coordinated the weekend with her husband, Al, challenged the youth by saying, “Don’t let this just be a weekend activity for you. Please continue to give your ‘Hearts to God, Hands to Others,’ ” every day of your life.