July 2, 2025, 1pm MDT
After months of planning for Global Youth Services Day, on April 26, Chandler Arizona South Stake Youth set the enrichment of service activities in the cultural hall of the meeting hall. Young people, their friends and family came over the next two hours for one of four different service activities: bicycle renovations, clothing collection and sorting, decorative decorations, and “sleep tight cards.”
What began as a simple activity that stake young people could come and go ended as a day of service where families came and stayed.
“We had a truly meaningful experience. This kind of moment shows us the power of small acts,” said Monica Jones, a mother who came to serve with her son.
Young people planned a global Youth Service Day activity with wagers a few months ago. The advisor compiled a list of service projects in the area, and the youth selected multiple activities, said Angela Jones, the stake’s Just Serve specialist.
Young people reasoned that multiple activities could meet the needs of more communities and that all young people could use their individual talents.
During preparation, young people and leaders gathered and evaluated old bikes and clothing in the community. The activity organizer then coordinated with the organizations where youth collaborated. Arizona Refugee Center, St. Vincent DePaul, Operation Ornament.
On Global Youth Services Day, the atmosphere of the activity was full of excitement and energy, Angela Jones said. After a light breakfast, some young people floated on various projects, while others stayed at the station for two hours. Skilled advisors guided young people while they held their bikes in place, and unexpected connections grew.
He was a mountain biker for over 25 years, and is therefore Travis Moire, the young male president of the stake who had undergone bicycle renovations. He learned that many young people want to learn about bike repairs and that they can “serve others and be ready for missions.” This connection sparked future cycling activities for young people to learn more.
At the end of the morning, at least 50 bikes were shining for the refugee families.
For the more creative young people, they could “sleep,” or write a heartfelt message on the index card placed on the pillows of the St. Vincent de Paul Shelter. Local Potter studios donated decorations that participants could paint for surgical ornaments.
The amount of bikes, clothes, shoes gathered, and the attitude of the youth surprised adult leaders, Angela Jones said.
Young people attendee Janalyn Corbett said, “Service brings me so much joy. I love knowing that the work I do goes to people in need.”
The organizations that young people collaborated with posted the impact of their work. The Arizona Refugee Center showed refugees picking up clothes and trying out bikes. When Angela Jones saw the video, she saw a bike that she donated to ride a little boy, which made her suffocate with emotion. “I knew the bike was meant to go to that little boy,” she said.
I added Monica Jones about this experience.
