More than 6,500 volunteers cleaned up parks statewide Saturday as part of "Mormon Helping Hands" event.

On O'ahu, volunteers converged on 47 city and state parks, picking up trash, raking leaves and painting.

"This is an opportunity for all of our congregations in Hawai'i to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to concentrate our efforts in one area — our parks," said event organizer Scott Whiting. "Church members both old and young will perform a variety of work depending on the needs of the park."

The event kicked off at 9 a.m. and ran through noon.

Mike Yadao, 30, was at Ala Moana Beach Park, picking up trash with his sons, 4-year-old Matthew and 2-year-old Jonathan. He said event is about giving back to the community.

"It's a good opportunity to put our faith into action," he said. "It certainly is an entire community saying we're so grateful for our parks."