ELCA Youth Gathering Volunteers at GiGi’s NOLA: A Heartfelt Partnership

New Orleans was buzzing with energy as 16,000 youth and adults from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) descended upon the city for their tri-annual Youth Gathering last month. This event, centered on fellowship and service, saw participants rotating daily across 200 locations to help improve city spaces. From cleaning up parks to painting playgrounds and clearing storm drains, these young volunteers dedicated their time to beautifying outdoor areas. Among the many local nonprofits they supported was GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans.

A Two-Day Transformation at GiGi’s Playhouse

On July 17 and 18, the ELCA youth brought their enthusiasm and helping hands to GiGi’s NOLA. Their dedication and hard work over these two days made a significant impact on our space and our community.

Day 1: Setting the Foundation

The first day was all about laying the groundwork for a brighter GiGi’s Gym Room. Volunteers kicked off the wall transformation by painting the focus wall, bringing a fresh and vibrant look to the space. They didn’t stop there; they deep cleaned all toys and mats, ensuring a safe and clean environment for our participants.

Day 2: Bringing the Vision to Life

On the second day the ELCA youth volunteers completed Best of All Books for outreach and new families, helping us extend our reach and support even further. They also sketched and began to paint the GiGiFIT logo on the wall for the GiGi’s Gym Room.

Project Completion

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Lory Lewis, played a crucial role in bringing this project to fruition and she completed the logo. Her vision for the gym transformation has come to life, and we are excited for the new look in GiGi’s Gym Room. Lory’s guidance and leadership ensured the project’s success, leaving us with a beautiful and welcoming space for our community.

Beyond the Service

When they weren’t working on service projects, the ELCA youth engaged in scavenger hunts, exploring New Orleans and building bonds with each other. Their evenings were filled with mass gatherings at the Smoothie King Center, where church leaders delivered inspiring messages.

Gratitude and Reflection

We are incredibly grateful for the time and effort the ELCA youth dedicated to GiGi’s Playhouse. Their work not only transformed our physical space but also brought a renewed sense of community and support. It was a pleasure to teach them about our mission and the programs we offer, and we hope their experience at GiGi’s Playhouse left a lasting impression.

A Bright Future

The partnership between GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans and the ELCA Youth Gathering volunteers is a testament to the power of community and service. Together, we made a positive impact and created lasting memories. We look forward to future collaborations and continue to spread our mission of acceptance and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

Thank you, ELCA Youth Gathering volunteers, for your time, energy, and commitment. Your service is truly appreciated, and we are honored to have been a part of your journey in New Orleans.

About GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA

GiGi’s Playhouse NOLA is dedicated to providing FREE educational and therapeutic-based programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. Our mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all.

For more information, visit GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. For more information on group volunteer projects, please email: volunteerneworleans@gigisplayhouse.org.