Teens are packing turkey and stuffing

A Thanksgiving project promotes a community service ethic among young people.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- On the practical side, a Thanksgiving dinner project is organizing about 80 members of the Interdenominational Youth Coalition to prepare, pack and deliver some 200 meals to area residents.
In a spiritual light, it's "a service project that's an extension of faith, a project to promote interdenominational relationships among kids and a way to serve," said Jenn Maloney, outreach coordinator of Volunteer Services Agency Inc., 5500 Market St., which oversaw the third annual project.
When the teenagers arrived at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, a brief mixer took place to break the ice and then it was off to various assignments.
Some of the young people used artistic talents to create festive table decorations of seasonal place mats, while others were engrossed in preparing a traditional meal of turkey, stuffing, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, bread and butter and dessert.
By 3:30 or so, young people, in assembly-line fashion, were filling containers to be packed by still other volunteers. Youth leaders milled around, making certain things moved smoothly in the organized chaos of the project. IYC members worked in their congregations to collect food donations and supplies for the meals.
Delivery locations
Youth leaders and other adult volunteers, who did the driving, and the young people delivered the meals to recipients at the Youngstown Greater Point daytime homeless shelter, located at New Beginnings Outreach, 322 Wick Ave.; the Drop-In Center of Help Hotline on Fifth Avenue; and individuals and families whose names were provided by participating congregations and agencies.
Young people from Canfield Presbyterian, Canfield United Methodist, Good Hope Lutheran, Greenford Lutheran, Holy Bible Church of God, Poland United Methodist, St. Brendan Catholic, St. Charles Catholic, St. James Episcopal, St. John's Episcopal and St. Patrick Catholic churches participated.
"Translating faith into action" is how Natalie Wardle, youth minister of St. Charles, described the project, which has been based at the church for three years. "It's a valuable project on many levels," she said. "It's a great opportunity for young people to meet other young people of faith, it's giving back to the community and a good service project."
"You can feel the spirit of cooperation. Kids look forward to this," she said.
Need is everywhere
Carla Hlavac, youth group leader of St. Patrick's, said the project shows the young people that need isn't limited to the inner city. "It's shows there's no boundary line ... there is need all over," she said, and that is an eye-opener to youths from churches from city to suburb.
Here's a sampling of comments on why they participate:
Allison Sees, 15, Canfield United Methodist, "Thanksgiving isn't the same for everyone. Doing this can help light up someone's holiday season."
Scott Williams, 16, Holy Bible, "We need to show we care about other people, and you feel good doing it."
Danielle Goddard, 13, Canfield Presbyterian, "It's making a Thanksgiving possible for someone who might not have it."
Lesley Koch, 12, Good Hope Lutheran Church: "It makes me realize there are people out there who don't have the advantages I do. It's important to help out."
Erick Haywood, 16, Holy Bible, "I think it helps make bonds in the community. I've met so many people who are kind and generous, and I think God is helping us. It shows we can come together as a community. It teaches us what is important in life."
The Volunteer Services Agency noted that the project brings together a diverse group of young people to promote community ministry as part of their faith and encourages a community service ethic.
New members are welcome to join IYC. For information, contact Maloney at (330) 782-5877 or via e-mail at jmaloney@volunteerservicesagency.org.