Youth from the Congregational Church of Manhasset, Christ Episcopal Church and the Community Reformed Church ventured to the most neglected neighborhoods of Atlanta, Ga. hoping to make a difference.
When the school year comes to an end, teenagers in our community have a wide range of programs and activities to choose from. Many students ship off for weeks of summer camp, while others perfect their skills on the field through competitive sports camps. Some students experience new countries and cultures, while some stay close to home to work on their summer reading assignments. But then there are some students in our community who devote a week of their summer helping those in need.
Thirty two teenagers from Manhasset, Port Washington, and beyond dedicated a week of their summer vacation to work with Atlanta’s vast homeless population. Some youth spent the week serving meals to the homeless through church soup kitchens and area shelters. Some youth spent the week mentoring and helping at-risk children at a local literacy camp. Some youth sorted tons of books in a warehouse for “Books for Africa”; an organization that ships donated and recycled books to more than 30 countries in Africa. Some youth worked at Atlanta’s furniture warehouse, helping low income families select furniture for their homes.
Whether tutoring at-risk children or serving meals in soup kitchens, painting rooms in a community center or washing cars to help support Adventures in Learning, the youth in our communities realize they can make a difference in the world.
For more information about youth group activities and events (grades 6-12) including retreats, community service opportunities and more contact Reverend Lori Burgess, Associate Minister of The Congregational Church of Manhasset at 516-627-4911 or visit www.uccmanhasset.org.
