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Each summer, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) selects a community service project to focus on through their One Community Project (OCP). This year, the committee decided to take on two projects. One at the Fowler’s Residence in Laconia, and the second at the Gilford Ice Skating Rink/Pickleball Courts. During these projects, twenty-eight adults and four children ranging from ages 7-94 years old, volunteered their time and energy, scraping, painting, landscaping, window cleaning, mulching, and much more!
“Making a difference through a community project can foster real change, build stronger bonds, and create lasting impact. OCP is about making a difference in the community. Each year this event is such a rewarding experience. I am so grateful to be a part of it,” said Amber McLane, Director of GCC’s Children and Youth Program.
Donna Snow has been participating in the OCP for the past 15 years (2011-2026). “My daughter, Mary, started this project in 2011 as a Girl Scout Gold Award Project,” said Snow. “Her advisor was Gilford Youth Center Director, Scott Hodsdon. The first couple of years, the project was called Christ Quest until changing the name to the One Community Project. I can’t believe that 15 years later we are still making a difference in our community. I have been proud to volunteer my time helping with landscaping and painting projects for members of our local community. Contributing to these efforts has allowed me to help improve neighborhood spaces, support the community members in need and foster a stronger sense of pride and connection with the community. It has been a rewarding experience to work alongside others to make a positive and lasting impact,” she added.
McLane asked the youngest volunteers why they thought volunteering was important and they said, Henry Walkley (Age 7) “Because I love helping others who are older or can’t do their home repairs themselves. It makes me feel good inside to help.” Douglas Walkley (Age 7) “So people can have nice gardens and helping people is the right thing to do.”
In conclusion, The Gilford Community Church and Gilford Youth Center finds true value in community service and outreach opportunities. The OCP is just another way to show we care about our community while teaching valuable lessons for youth and adults such as responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. Community service not only benefits those receiving help but also enriches the lives of those who give, making it a valuable experience for everyone involved.
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
“Making a difference through a community project can foster real change, build stronger bonds, and create lasting impact. OCP is about making a difference in the community. Each year this event is such a rewarding experience. I am so grateful to be a part of it,” said Amber McLane, Director of GCC’s Children and Youth Program.
Donna Snow has been participating in the OCP for the past 15 years (2011-2026). “My daughter, Mary, started this project in 2011 as a Girl Scout Gold Award Project,” said Snow. “Her advisor was Gilford Youth Center Director, Scott Hodsdon. The first couple of years, the project was called Christ Quest until changing the name to the One Community Project. I can’t believe that 15 years later we are still making a difference in our community. I have been proud to volunteer my time helping with landscaping and painting projects for members of our local community. Contributing to these efforts has allowed me to help improve neighborhood spaces, support the community members in need and foster a stronger sense of pride and connection with the community. It has been a rewarding experience to work alongside others to make a positive and lasting impact,” she added.
McLane asked the youngest volunteers why they thought volunteering was important and they said, Henry Walkley (Age 7) “Because I love helping others who are older or can’t do their home repairs themselves. It makes me feel good inside to help.” Douglas Walkley (Age 7) “So people can have nice gardens and helping people is the right thing to do.”
In conclusion, The Gilford Community Church and Gilford Youth Center finds true value in community service and outreach opportunities. The OCP is just another way to show we care about our community while teaching valuable lessons for youth and adults such as responsibility, compassion, and teamwork. Community service not only benefits those receiving help but also enriches the lives of those who give, making it a valuable experience for everyone involved.
Located in Gilford at 19 Potter Hill Road, the Gilford Community Church (GCC) is an inclusive, open community that welcomes believers and doubters, seekers and skeptics, young and old. Viewable live on Facebook and available on YouTube, Sunday service at GCC takes place at 10 a.m. To learn more, or virtually attend service, visit www.gilfordcommunitychurch.org.
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