GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA

Courtesy of the Central America Area

Elder James B. Martino and his wife, Sister Jennie Martino, at one of the work projects during "Day of Service" in Guatemala.

Courtesy of the Central America Area

Members sporting "Helping Hands" vests cut the grass and perform other acts of service outside a children's facility in GuatemalaCity, Guatemala. Volunteers were also enlisted to clean buildings, paint dormitories and repair appliances for those in need.

Courtesy of the Central America Area

Young women pass out homemade blankets to little girls from the "Club de Ninos San Pedrito" children's facility.

Diego, a small child with Down syndrome, jumped with excitement after winning a dance contest at one of the many activities that occurred during a recent Church-sponsored day of service here. More than 7,000 members volunteered, serving in areas throughout the country.

Courtesy of the Central America Area

Youth from the Matzatenango Guatemala Stake dress up as clowns and stage a party for local children during Oct. 20 service day.

Children, teenagers and adults of all ages participated in hundreds of projects — including many that focused on serving children, particularly those battling illnesses or other challenges. The Oct. 20 event coincided with Guatemala's "Children's Day" holiday. The various children's service projects included staging puppet shows, games and pinata parties. Mormons dressed up as clowns, painted the children's faces and taught them songs. The fun-filled activities brought joy to the children and the many members who participated.

Courtesy of the Central America Area

Festive Little girl from the "Club de Ninos San Pedrito" children's facility in Guatemala City, Guatemala, had her face painted as part of a recent Church-sponsored day of service. The countrywide service project focused on serving children.

Members sported familiar "Mormon Helping Hands" vests as they interacted with the children. Jessy Green of the Acatan Ward, Guatemala City Guatemala Stake, was one of many adults who spent the day at the "Club de Ninos San Pedrito" children's facility. He taught the children songs and watched as LDS young men and women shared their enthusiasm and talents with the children. Their efforts were rewarded with happy faces of appreciation.

Mauricio, an 8-year-old boy, said he was grateful for the day of fun: "Now I feel like I have new friends. Thank you for coming."

In other areas, members participated in various service activities designed to assist disadvantaged youth. Some spent several hours at various youth facilities painting dormitories, cleaning outside the buildings and repairing stoves, refrigerators and play areas. Volunteers also cut grass and scrubbed hallways. Others collected diapers, gifts and hygiene kits that were presented to those who care for the children.

Courtesy of the Central America Area

LDS youth and adults befriend residents at the "Club de Ninos San Pedrito" children's facility in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Elder James B. Martino, a Seventy serving as second counselor in the Central America Area presidency, was inspired by the efforts of the many volunteers.

"It was marvelous to see the LDS youth playing with disabled youth while many other members were cleaning, painting and helping in many other ways so others [in these centers] can enjoy better conditions," Elder Martino said. "To see the tears of gratitude on the faces of the administrators and the smiles of all the members working was a testimony as to why we serve and help one another. All were blessed on this day of service." Church volunteers donated a total of 28,000 hours of service. Participants were following the recent general conference counsel of President Thomas S. Monson, who said: "Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and, figuratively, lose their life, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish — and, in effect, save their life."