Becatti, Stierwalt explain importance of Serving the City as One

March and Fred Stierwalt are among thousands of volunteers for Serving the City as One on Saturday. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – On April 13, thousands of volunteers across Madison County will be helping their neighbors during Serving the City as One.

Volunteer Wanda Becatti is project lead for shredding. “The Arc of Madison County will provide a mobile, on-site shredder,” she said. “With the rise in identify theft, the free service will help Madison residents shred personal documents.”

The shredder will be located at Bob Jones High School’s north parking lot from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Each person can bring two 13-gallon trash bags. Volunteers will give ‘drive-through service’ by unloading materials from car trunks.

“The Arc uses equipment that pulverizes the documents into small chunks, making re-assembly impossible,” Becatti said. The Arc, a 501(c)3 non-profit agency, serves all ages of individuals with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays.

“Serving the City as One is a great opportunity for Madison residents to come together and work meaningful and much needed projects within the city,” Becatti said. “It’s a great time for families to give back to others and make a difference.”

For the second year, Fred and March Stierwalt of CrossPointe Church are team leaders for breakfast to serve about 500 volunteers. March defined the menu, ordered food and handled all details. Fred volunteered for his respect and belief “in giving back to the local community.”

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Serving the City as One will give “people a chance to support their friends and neighbors, just like the old days (with) barn raisings and housewarmings,” Stierwalt said. In addition, volunteers will repair and perform maintenance that schools and parks cannot afford. Stierwalt is especially proud about painting a school cafeteria this year.

In 2012, more than 2,800 members from 68 congregations finished 230 projects for Serving the City as One. “I wouldn’t describe the supporting churches as ‘diverse’ … we’re all Christians, love the Lord and are willing to help our fellow man,” Stierwalt said.

For more information, call Larry and Deborah Ward at 256-830-5193, email to larry@inside-outministries.org or visit servingthecityonline.com.