Braving the Heat for Beauty

Local Church Committed to Campus Cleanup Efforts
Posted on 06/28/2022
This is the image for the news article titled Local Church Committed to Campus Cleanup Efforts

Tackling the Texas heat can be a challenge. Oaks Church in Red Oak, Texas took on the heat with helping hands at DeSoto Independent School District’s Cockrell Hill Elementary School during their Serve Day, Saturday, June 25.


“If they can put the resources to education and we can come out and do something like some beautification, it’s just a little way to give back,” Oaks Church Director of Finance Tammy Brooks said.


Brooks led the efforts of numerous church volunteers who were shoveling dirt and filling crevices, clearing out shrubs, leveling wood chips in the playground, hauling debris and more. It was an orchestrated effort that keeps them in step with their church’s belief of neighborly love.


“This is one way that we can show that; put our feet to our words is to show love by being out in our communities,” she said.


Brooks shared that in addition to DeSoto, Oaks Church is also doing projects in Maypearl, Waxahachie and Midlothian.


The tasks not only included making the campus look beautiful, Brooks ensured all areas were covered. She led the youngest volunteers on a prayer walk around the school.


“We want to pray a blessing over every child that comes to this school, the educators, that they’re having a great summer, and that they’re prepared in their hearts and their souls to return to school come August,” Brooks shared with them before saying, “Get what you want to pray for; students, teachers, educators at the central office. Alright, let’s go!”


The line was long as they walked and continuously prayed out loud for Cockrell Hill Elementary and DeSoto ISD.


Brooks said Oaks Church campus beautification projects also provide an opportunity to engage the people of their church to get involved. DeSoto ISD appreciates their mobilization efforts and hard work to ensure a welcoming curb appeal and safe spaces for students and educators. We thank them for braving one of the hottest days of the year and being great neighbors!


“DeSoto ISD is always grateful for the support of community partners like the Oaks Church,” Director of Communications Tiffanie Blackmon-Jones said. “As a school community, we are always deeply appreciative of the outreach and support of groups and organizations who, in a myriad of ways, extend their time and resources to the district."