“If you build it, they will come.”

That’s exactly what more than 100 volunteers did on Aug. 22 to support Beach Cities Volunteer Day at 8 elementary school gardens in Redondo Beach.

And just like “Field of Dreams” is about more than baseball, Beach Cities Volunteer Day was about more than school gardens. It was about the community coming together to ensure that students in Redondo Beach have the very best opportunity to learn and, you guessed it – grow – this coming school year.

And while the angels in Kevin Costner’s outfield were ghosts of players past, the angels on this day were community volunteers from 30+ local organizations, including South Bay Credit Union and Grades of Green. Volunteers built garden boxes, pulled weeds and spruced things into tip-top shape for the coming school year. Surplus produce was donated to local food banks.

Research shows that volunteering is good for your health – and so are the innovative programs and partnerships in play in Redondo Beach. Gardens and other school health programs have contributed to a 68% drop in childhood obesity, which is currently 6.4% in Redondo Beach versus 22.4 percent for Los Angeles County students.

“Field of Dreams” will turn 30 this school year. But before students sprint around the bases of another busy year, pause to reflect on a line from the movie that’s still very relevant today:  “We just don’t recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they’re happening.”

No matter what curveballs come your way this school year, don’t forget to enjoy the game.

To learn more about volunteering in the Beach Cities, go to bchd.org/volunteer.