(Rock Island, IL) -More than 100 volunteers from the Royal Neighbors of America Home Office and area chapters are scheduled to observe JOIN HANDS DAY on Saturday, May 3, by "Growing & Giving Together^SM." The group also will include individuals from Girl Scout Troop 5895, Rock Island; the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners; and The Friends of Riverside Park Gardens. Also invited are women and their families who use the services of area social services agencies.

Riverside Park in Moline will be the site of several projects including planting fruit, vegetable, and herb gardens which will benefit the Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Food Pantries; designing a children's garden; and creating make-and-take container gardens. Master gardeners will be on site to teach participants how to plant and maintain the gardens. It is estimated that when harvested, the food will feed nearly 100 women and their families.

WHAT: Planting gardens in observance of JOIN HANDS DAY

WHEN: Saturday, May 3; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Riverside Gardens and Park, 5th Avenue and 34th Street, Moline, IL

CONTACTS: Vickie Sedam (563) 320-1137; Sarah Reemtsma (563) 343-7770

In the event of inclement weather, outdoor garden work will be rescheduled for June.  The make-and-take container garden event will go on as scheduled from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

In its 15th year, JOIN HANDS DAY is sponsored by America's fraternal benefit societies such

as Royal Neighbors of America. The day of service provides an opportunity for adults and young people to build relationships through volunteer activities. As partners, adults and youths work together to plan, organize, and implement activities that improve their neighborhoods.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance and annuity products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.