LAYTON—On June 5, an army of volunteers made up of men, women, and youth from the Layton, Utah Valley View Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered under the direction of Stake President Chad Webb at The Wat Dhammagunaram Buddhist Temple property to take advantage of an opportunity to serve. 

Over the past few years, several large and small trees on the property have died. After meeting with leaders of the Temple and members of the South Davis Communication Council, President Webb offered man-power and funds to cut down, haul away and replace the dead trees as well as providing a variety of bedding plants and topsoil.

The Temple property was also mowed, edged, weeded and trimmed by the eager volunteers. Stake member Carrie Rainey shared her thoughts on the project, saying, “I think it is an amazing opportunity for people of different faiths to come together to serve and support each other; this is awesome!”

With advice from experts within the Stake, appropriate replacement trees and bedding plants were purchased and planted by Stake members. President Webb, on behalf of the Stake, also presented a sizable donation to the Temple to aid in on-going projects.

Before the morning’s work started, members of the Thai Buddhist Temple provided a hot breakfast and good-will to the hungry volunteers. 

 “We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and goodness,” said Arunee Schwab, a member of the Thai Buddhist Temple board. “We could not have accomplished this by ourselves.”

“Interfaith efforts and cooperation provide more than a service opportunity,” said South Davis Council member Quin Pinson. “They provide understanding and a feeling of unity in the community.”

Future plans have been discussed for another service project in the fall.

— Tom Haraldsen