October 11, 2025, 12:10pm MDT
Latter-day Saints in the Caribbean and South America participated in community cleanups in September, including events celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church in South America.
Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasize the need for disciples of Jesus Christ to care for the earth and participate in global relief efforts. In a news release from the church, Presiding Bishop Gerard Cosse said its goal is to “encourage members of the (church) and all members of the community to use the earth’s resources with great care and prudence.”
In 2024, 6.6 million volunteer hours were given, 3,836 humanitarian projects were completed, and members of the Church served in 192 countries and territories.
In 2025, members are completing various projects around the world. Here are some examples of how members in the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Paraguay have contributed to their communities.
Cleanup activities along the Cam River
On September 19, missionaries and members of the La Vega Dominican Republic Stake conducted a cleanup along the banks of the Cam River in La Vega. According to information from the organizers, the initiative was carried out in cooperation with local institutions.
Coordinator Giovani Antonio Díaz Abreu told Church News that everyone came together with a common goal: “to cherish God’s creation and strengthen the bonds of civic and institutional unity.”
Participants worked on solid waste collection and contributed to restoring one of the city’s natural spaces.
Elena Tineo, one of the event organizers, said: “This activity is about more than just physical cleaning. It’s an opportunity to teach by example, promote Christian values and remember that we all share a responsibility to protect the environment.”
The cleanup was a joint effort between the church, local government, community groups and concerned residents working to protect the river’s future.
“The La Vegas Stake would like to express our deep gratitude to everyone involved for their participation and reiterate our commitment to continue serving our community when and where needed,” Abreu said.
Cleaning and painting in Paraguay
As part of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church in South America, volunteers took part in cleaning and painting Plaza Paraguaya Mujer in San Ignacio, Paraguay, on September 27th.
Members, volunteers, and researchers came together with one purpose: to restore public space. They left the area renovated and ready for the community to enjoy.
In a news release from the church’s Spanish-language newsroom, organizers emphasized that the service is a way to follow the Savior’s example.
The initiative was part of the 100th anniversary of service in South America. In an effort to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church in South America, each stake and district organized service activities that responded to the needs of their communities. People from Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina all participated in this effort.
Members of these communities put into action the motto of the Day of Service: “Follow Jesus Christ and serve others.”
Cleanup activities at Salaberry Beach in Peru
On September 27, along the shoreline of Salaberry Beach in Trujillo, Peru, members and volunteers from the Trujillo Peru Palermo and Trujillo Peru Laureles stakes gathered to protect the environment and build community unity.
More than 280 people participated in the cleanup, including Mayor Carlos Arroyo Roxas. The community cleaned up trash and debris
The event reaffirmed the importance of citizen and organizational efforts in beach cleanup efforts and promoted respect for natural resources and a healthier environment, according to a news release from the church’s Spanish-language newsroom.
