Editorial: Volunteers showed their true worth

Wednesday, May 14, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

MORE than 2,000 volunteers proved what Las Vegans are made of by pitching in to help those who can't help themselves.

As a SUN story reported Sunday, volunteers from businesses, churches, service groups and Nellis Air Force Base renovated 26 homes in the Las Vegas Valley as part of the Christmas in April program.

The workers repaired interiors and exteriors of deteriorating homes in a remarkable display of neighborliness. New roofs were installed, cabinets put in place, appliances and furniture moved in -- even lawns were mowed and windows cleaned.

Volunteers ignored the hot weather to make homes more livable for those who, for various reasons, could not help themselves. It was an effort that could not have been accomplished without people willing to donate the time and effort.

After the job was done, a giant house party was thrown at Clark High School, with donated food, bands, games and even massages for sore arms and backs.

Christmas in April demonstrates that the sense of community is alive and well in Las Vegas. If communities are, as they say, as good or bad as the people who live in them, then we have a lot to be proud of.