The local organization Lift-In-Love is kicking off their 2nd annual Serve-a-Thon Saturday. The event places volunteers at several sites throughout New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven, carrying out sponsored community service. All funds raised will go towards Mobile Loaves and Fishes and the Salvation Army.

Organizer Steve Bouley says what sets the fundraiser and the organization apart is that there are no associated overhead costs. "Almost every charity, there's some kind of an administrative cost," says Bouley. "So whatever we generate, every single penny goes to these two ministries. There isn't an administrative cent that's spent otherwise."

Major Gil Parkhurst of the Salvation Army says the event showcases what a helping hand can do. "What's nice is to see with the Serve-a-Thon how many people that have had challenges and struggles in their lives and were able to get back up again, they're coming alongside of us to help others to get back up," said Parkhurst.

Volunteers will be painting a fence at Hazelwood Park in New Bedford, harvesting food at the Dartmouth YMCA Farm, and restoring the Cooke Park in Fairhaven. A new feature to this year's Serve-a-Thon is a variety show, taking place from 1-3:30 at St. Francis of Assisi Church on North Street in New Bedford.

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