Youth volunteers make global impact during service day

Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world participated in Global Youth Service Day in April 2025, engaging in various community service projects.

In Argentina, youth volunteers collected and sorted garbage to promote environmental cleanliness, distinguishing recyclable items from non-recyclable ones. Susana Orue, associated with the mayor's office in Vicente López, remarked, "[We had] lots of youth and neighbors come. We were able to collect 100 bags of trash in just an hour and a half. This had a great impact which supports our green initiatives here in Vicente Lopez."

In Canada, the KARA Family Resource Centre in Edmonton saw over 30 volunteers assisting with their spring cleanup efforts. Youth community helpers tended to playgrounds and garden beds. Jethro Infante described his experience, noting, "The Just Serve initiatives are awesome. It gives me opportunities to serve that I don’t usually get."

In Southern California, youth crafted seed pods to help regrow fire-damaged areas and prepared materials for SoleHope.org, assisting people in Africa. Alaina Dustin expressed, "It felt good to help people that are devastated from the fires."

In San Diego, about 400 youths collected items for various charitable efforts, including the North County Food Bank and projects for refugees. Karsten Agle, a club president, valued the experience, stating, "It’s really joyful with people laughing and having a great time."

Puerto Rican youth engaged with Largo Plazo de Puerto Rico, helping paint and revitalize their buildings. Lucas Murray reflected on this experience by saying, "Providing service helps me look unto Christ by helping me follow His example."

In Utah, participants prepared essential kits for homeless students in Davis County. Utah’s JustServe Director, Brian Searing, noted the importance of these teen centers and the aid they offer.

Shane Smoot, a JustServe specialist, emphasized the communal aspect of service: "Service is a wonderful catalyst from a relationship standpoint. When you serve side by side with anyone, it unites you."