Modesto Bee Previous Story Next Story Modesto gives some love to places, people By Nan Austin naustin@modbee.comApril 5, 2014 Facebook Twitter Google Plus Reddit E-mail Print Love Modesto rally on Saturday, April 5, 2014. ANDY ALFARO — Modesto Bee |Buy Photo Related Stories: Love Modesto Transcript: Tweets and photos from area 'Love' events From clearing trash from parks to buffing up schools to fixing bikes and cutting hair, volunteers showed some love for their cities and special kindness for their neighbors. Love Modesto drew an estimated 4,000 helpers to more than 60 projects Saturday, said organizer Jeff Pishney. About 1,200 volunteers teamed up to spruce up parks and spread the love in Merced. Similar events drew several hundred volunteers in Atwater, Ceres, Delhi, Hughson, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank and Salida, Pishney said. Modesto’s day kicked off downtown, where speakers urged on volunteers and Nineveh Outreach set up its Love Zone on I Street in front of the courthouse. Tables of clothes, crates of fresh produce, haircuts, bike giveaways, dental care and medical check-ups were all free for those in need, said Pastor Chuck Cutsinger. “We usually ask people to bring food. This year we decided to switch it and give instead of receive,” Cutsinger said. Pallets of cherry tomatoes, artichokes, apples and cauliflower were still not entirely gone by 1 p.m., but will add to the ministry’s weekly grocery giveaways. Nineveh’s 500 to 600 regular volunteers also provide food and clothing along with its dental and medical clinics, rotating through south and west Modesto parks beginning Saturday. Dentist Corey Acree said he and seven colleagues regularly donate their time to help the needy. “You miss a lot of joy in life if you don’t help people,” he said. After years of traveling to Mexico to help the poor, Acree said he was glad to find a way to give back in Modesto. “You don’t have to go anywhere to find a need,” he said. Across town by Mellis Park, Vine House Ministries held a block party, its annual Love Modesto bash, said director Cheryl Van Horn. Vine House, too, helps people year round, but makes the most of the annual Modesto volunteer day. “A lot of people came we see every week, but there’s a lot of new faces today, too,” she said. A live band belted out tunes. About 700 hot dogs were barbecued. Children crowded around tables, making crafts indoors and playing games outside. In the backyard, free haircuts and manicures were provided by 13 volunteers from Adrian’s Beauty College in Modesto. Nail specialist Lucia Vega said turquoise was the top color for the mix of adults and youngsters seeking a little polish. Beautician Rachel Ammari said she gave six haircuts. “It gives us more practice, and we want to help the community,” Ammari said. Added fellow beautician Alexis Alava, “We want to give back.” Four bicycle repairmen stayed busy with dozens of bikes rolling up through the morning. “I’m seeing a lot of (bad) brakes,” said Ron Robertson. Bad tires. Bad front ends – some beyond hope, but most patchable, he said. Besides Robertson, Phil Cook said he had fixed eight to 10 bikes already. “It’s just a hobby. I’ve been fixing my own since I was a kid,” Cook said. At Davis High, volunteers washed down the quad-area walls, taking care not to harm the Spartan murals. Assistant Principal Lee Shaw said the campus will get a fresh coat of paint over spring break. Seven homes got yard makeovers and 10 families were brought dinners, thanks to 160 Community Hospice volunteers, said organizer Christine Ramsey. “Families can feel overwhelmed, and this is an opportunity for our employees to unite with others in the community to help out,” Ramsey said. Homeowner Dale Hulin said this was the second yard makeover at her house. Her husband had been the gardener of the family, and she had not been able to take over the work since his passing. “They are such a blessing,” she said. Hospice volunteer Kati Hancock, sporting a bright pink “Team Julie” T-shirt, said the day was a way to say thanks for care given her late mother, Julie Hancock, and to honor her mother’s volunteering spirit. “My mother volunteered for Love Modesto. She was really involved with volunteer work,” Hancock said. “For us, it’s two great things coming together. I’ll be so forever grateful for what hospice gave us and did for her. This is us trying to give back just a little,” she said. “These families, I know what they’re going through, the pain. For me, it’s healing,” Hancock said. There is more love to come. Love Waterford is scheduled for April 26. Love Turlock will be May 3. Love Empire and Love Hilmar will wait for Sept. 27, according to their websites. Bee reporter Nan Austin can be reached at naustin@modbee.com or (209) 578-2339. 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