Jason Castro, the dreadhead musician from Rockwall who captured hearts across the globe during his run on Season 7 of American Idol, continues to inspire fans with more than just his music.

His deep commitment to the Lord, his dedication to serve, and his recently released song called “Shine Your Light” prompted a group of fans from across the country to descend up Rockwall and surrounding areas to offer their time during a weekend of community service.

“It was a labor of love,” Donna Michalko of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania explained.

The volunteers brought newborn care packages for PediPlace of Lewisville, ate lunch at Jason’s Deli (“we couldn’t pass up the irony of the name”), and helped sort, price and hang clothes at the Goodwill warehouse in Dallas.

Then it was on to help build a Habitat for Humanity home in RoyseCity. The rainy, muddy conditions prevented them from carrying out their mission, but they enjoyed a tour of the house under construction. That’s when a HFH volunteer told them about a nearby thrift shop called Helping Hands.

“We literally ascended upon the wonderful folks at Helping Hands,” Michalko wrote in an e-mail. “In the pouring rain, we approached the workers there and asked if they could use our help. Within a few minutes, we were all given assignments.”  

Michalko added, “Ironically, neighborsgo had ‘tweeted’ a message on Twitter a few days before, alerting the City of Rockwall that Jason’s fans were coming for community service work. The tweet listed Helping Hands Thrift Store as a location for people to help in their community. Again, we were exactly where we were supposed to be.”

The event is officially known as the “Shine Your Light” Weekend of Service, and the group is already planning to meet again for the second annual event next year.

Connect with Rockwall/Rowlett neighborsgo editor Dawn Redig at dredig@neighborsgo.com.

Judy Evans of Rockwall asked me to help spread the word. Brookshire’s grocery store in Rockwall is hosting a food drive for the Food Pantry of Helping Hands beginning this Saturday, June 27, through Saturday, July 4.

In 2008, Helping Hands provided a record 14,868 bags of food to clients, 4,800 bags more than in 2007. In these tough economic times, they expect another record-breaking year in 2009.

Help friends and neighbors in need by donating non-perishable food items such as: Tuna/Chicken/Hamburger Helper; rice; dry beans, canned meats; peanut butter and jelly; pasta; and kid-friendly snacks.

Brookshire’s manager David Pike is coordinating the food drive, and Helping Hands would like to thank Mr. Pike and Brookshire’s for their efforts.

Rockwall County Helping Hands is a non-profit agency that has served the community for more than 30 years. They offer critical assistance in critical times for residents of our community by providing a Food Pantry, assistance with utilities and shelter and the HealthCenter - an affordable medical home for all residents. They also operate the Rockwall and Royse City Thrift Stores, which provide revenue to help operate the agency and clothing and household items for clients.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a financial or thrift store donation, please call 972-771-HELP.