Love Modesto Turns Kindness Into Action

‘Love Modesto’ Turns a City Into a Day of Service—and Something More

What started as a response to a reputation has grown into a powerful reminder of what a community can become when people choose to show up.

A Citywide Effort With a Simple Goal

In Modesto, thousands of volunteers fanned out across the city for the annual “Love Modesto” event—an 18-year tradition built around one idea: do something good for someone else.

From its early beginnings, the event has evolved into a large-scale day of service, now featuring more than 100 projects that touch nearly every corner of the community.

Kindness in Every Form

Some acts were simple but powerful—free hugs, handwritten signs reading “You Are Loved,” and small gestures meant to brighten a stranger’s day.

Others tackled deeper needs.

Volunteers worked with homeless youth, cleaned up community spaces, and assembled care packages for cancer patients—filled with handmade cards and comfort items for those undergoing treatment.

Across the city, people also distributed crocheted blankets, donated pet food for families in need, and stepped in wherever help was needed.

From Perception to Purpose

The event didn’t start as a celebration—it started as a challenge.

Organizer Jeff Pishney said the idea was born when Modesto was being labeled negatively.

Instead of pushing back with words, a group of residents decided to respond with action.

The first year, they hoped for 100 volunteers.

More than 1,200 showed up.

Today, that number has grown into the thousands.

More Than Just One Day

While the projects themselves make a visible impact, many say the real value goes deeper.

“It’s a really wonderful, love-filled experience,” said volunteer Emily Webster. “It brings our city together for a common good.”

That sense of connection—of people working side by side for something bigger than themselves—is what keeps the event growing year after year.