The National Conference on Volunteering and Service has set up stakes in the New Orleans area from June 6-8 and the New Orleans Saints have been an enthusiastic participant in the event.

Convened by the Points of Light Institute and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the annual event provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through a wide range of sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, exhibits and specialized corporate tracks.

On Monday morning, Saints team ambassador Michael Lewis went out to the Sam Bonart Park in the city's Lower Ninth Ward, where he represented the club and took part in the conference's signature event, which was the rebuilding and rehabilitation of the facility. Lewis, as well as New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Neil Bush, the son of former President George H.W. Bush and brother of George W. Bush, were part of 150 volunteers that took part in the installation of all new playground equipment, the construction of soccer fields (including nets and goals), building sideline benches for the baseball and soccer fields, repairing damaged concrete on the basketball courts, installing lighting and signage, painting murals and additional decorative elements. In addition to Lewis, Sir Saint also came out to the event to lend moral support to the volunteers. The result is a completely refurbished and renovated play and athletic facility for the neighborhood's youth.

Before the event wraps on June 8, former Black and Gold RB Deuce McAllister will represent the organization at a roundatable closing session that centers on community service tommorrow.