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Youths' mission: lend a hand
By KWESI WREKON OBENG ST. PETERSBURG -- They polished the fingernails and toenails of the elderly, fed the homeless and pulled weeds in the compound of the visually impaired. Others helped pack kits for pregnant women attending prenatal care and worked on art projects with people who have disabilities. These were some of the activities of kids at a three-day summer camp organized last week by St. Paul Catholic Church, 1800 12th St. N. The outreach program was the first such summer camp organized for youths in the parish. It ended Wednesday with a party and cookout. "Lend a Hand," as it was dubbed, brought together 32 youths and 18 adults who acted as drivers and chaperones. The kids were as young as 11, as old as 15. According to Joseph Gerardo, head of youth ministry, the outreach mission sought to give kids an opportunity to work with some of the most vulnerable people in society. The 19 boys and 13 girls labored three hours each morning and another three in the afternoon. To give them broad exposure in community service, the kids were divided into smaller groups to rotate through the different organizations that needed them. They helped out 13 organizations, ranging from free clinics to seniors' day programs. Speaking of how she enjoyed working with the elderly, Emma King, 12, said, "They are like kids and they found good in everything." For Brian Eanes, 12, "the experience is all good. It felt great helping other people to live." The program began on the evening of July 14 with a get-together of kids, their parents, volunteers and priests. Each of the three working days started with a Mass at 7:45 am. Gerardo, who is the father of three boys, said the program was also meant to teach the kids that "the world doesn't revolve around them and that there are other people who need help."
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From the Times South Pinellas desks Letters |
