CATHOLIC CHURCH YOUTH HELP LOCAL FOOD BANK

SCOTT CITY -- A "Dear Abby" column helped make the Scott City Food Bank about $200 wealthier this weekend.

After members of the St. Joseph Catholic Church read the syndicated advice column that printed information about a South Carolina program designed to help raise money for the poor, they decided to get involved.

The program began at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, S.C., as a way to raise money for the poor on Super Bowl Sunday.

So after Masses on Super Bowl Sunday, six youth stood at the back of the church with soup kettles. Other youth held posters and signs to remind people why the money was being collected.

About 25 youth are involved in church activities, which range from fund-raisers and service projects to parties. At Christmas, the group spearheaded a collection for Birthright.

This weekend, every church member was asked to donate $1 to the soup kettle for "Souperbowl" Sunday.

"We saw this and said, `It's so simple,'" said Linda Johnston, a parent and church member. "It lets the community know there are some good youth in our area."

The youth collected more than $200 after Masses on Saturday and Sunday. The money will be donated to the Scott City food bank.

"We wanted to keep it local," Johnston said. "It's a neat idea to go with Super Bowl Sunday."

In 1995, about $450,000 was raised for food banks and soup kitchens across the country through the program. For more information, call 1-800-358-SOUP.