Group of teens spending summer volunteering around community

SIKESTON, Mo. -- 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.

"I feel like I'm doing something good for others," said Anthony Farris, 16, as he guided a cart for recipient around the building. "It is fun to get to help others."

Hannah Patrick, 16, volunteered to speak with each of those coming into the food pantry. She explained to them how the pantry operated.

"It is amazing to see how many people need help," Patrick said. "I have a kid myself, so I know how hard it can be. I love it that I can help."

Joyce Wollenburg, food and nutrition services coordinator, described the volunteers as a tremendous help, especially on busy days.

"They are helping people as they go through [the pantry], they are keeping things moving," Wollenburg said.

Some of the teens reached into bins to help pick out packages of bread while others easily shouldered one of the watermelons donated by a local farmer, carrying the fruit out the door to a waiting vehicle.

"We are very grateful to have them as volunteers," Wollenburg added.

She said others who are interested in volunteering at the Southeast Missouri Food Bank can contact her at 651-0400.