'Serve the City L.A.' Aims to Offer Hope to Those in Need

It is time to serve the city, according to a local multi-faith organization. 

"Hope for L.A." is gearing up for its fifth annual volunteer day known as
"Serve the City L.A."

The event, which takes place on the last Saturday in July, is a time for individuals and church groups to come together and commit their time to volunteer projects which include everything from hosting a barbecue for homeless families to painting a shelter or creating a garden at an inner-city school.

David Kleinknecht is the director of Hope for L.A. which is spearheading the event.

Hope for L.A., which is an offshoot ministry of the Pacific Crossroads Church, aims to bring people together as well as help those who are less fortunate, according to Kleinknecht.

"I think people need to know their neighbors," Kleinknecht said. "L.A. is a pretty disconnected city and serving is a way of getting to know your city and getting to know some of the needs in the city, and so I think it’s important to know and to care for the city that you live in."

More than 1,700 people showed up to volunteer last year, he said.

About 30 churches around the city are helping to plan the volunteer effort which includes projects in Hollywood and Silver Lake. However, anyone is welcome to volunteer whether they attend a church or not, Kleinknecht said.

"Serve the City L.A." will take place on Saturday, July 27.