Service & Patriotism: Youth learn the value of volunteering

Weekends hold endless possibilities for slacking off, but Elizabeth Koehler has a more meaningful suggestion for her fellow teens -- volunteering.

"If all we did was sit in front of the TV, the world would be a lot worse place," said Koehler, who at 15 is the oldest member of the Jackson chapter of the Modern Woodmen of America Youth Service Club. Volunteerism is at the heart of the group's activities.

The club's most recent volunteer effort had them feeding police officers, firefighters and other emergency service workers Sept. 11 at the Jackson police and fire station. In commemoration of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the group served barbecue sandwiches, side dishes and desserts to thank the workers for their service.

Elizabeth's sister, Rachel, 10, is vice president of the Jackson Modern Woodmen of America Youth chapter, which has six members, including their brother Aaron, 13. Rachel said volunteer efforts like the one Sept. 11 are fun and rewarding.

"I like serving other people, especially our police and fire department who are working so hard to keep us safe," Rachel said.

Patriotism is an important element of the group's activities, and they especially enjoy projects that have to do with serving veterans and public safety workers.

The club's activities promote a "pay it forward" philosophy, a belief that is summed up by the organization's creed: "There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own."

Olivia Renner, 14, is president of the chapter, and her brother Jon, 13, is also a member. The club's monthly meetings hold to the rules of parliamentary procedure. An adult leader, Aleda Phillips, is on hand at the meetings in an advisory role, but the meeting and its agenda are strictly run by the teens and tweens, who also come up with the ideas for service projects.

In addition to the projects involving veterans and public safety workers, the group has volunteered to help out at nutrition centers and the Humane Society, as well as other efforts.

The club is open to people age 16 and younger. Call Aleda Phillips at 573-587-0959 for information or e-mail her at aleda@charter.net.