Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: Group of teens spending summer volunteering around community (08/01/12)

Marquavion McCauley, left, and Anthony Farris assist clients at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank in Sikeston. The two are among a group of teens from the Hope Community Resource Center spending part of their summer volunteering around the community. Staff photo

SIKESTON - For one group of teens, when asked this fall about how they spent their summer vacation, they will have plenty to say. They spent their summer volunteering and helping others.

Most recently a group of 10 young people, ranging in age from 14 to 18, from the Hope Community Resource Center, 601 Davis Blvd., pitched in at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank.

"We are trying to encourage them to give back to the community," said Ann DeMyres, Resource Center staff member.

In the past, the young people have volunteered by packing food boxes. Most recently they assisted at the Food Pantry, helping individuals as they picked up needed items.

According to DeMyres, many of their community service projects revolve around the elderly. The teens also volunteered at Hunter Acres Caring Center.

"The elderly need help and our youth should fill in the gap for them," said DeMyres, who along with Hope Community Resource Center staff members Jeff Johnson and Lee Ware accompanied the young people on the community service ventures.

The volunteer work kept the young men and women busy and on their feet throughout the afternoon. While offering their assistance, they also offered broad smiles to those at the Food Pantry.

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