Teens volunteer for summer through local churches

By Amanda DeLosh
As Americans we are known to help one another out in times of need. The faith, morals and values that one has usually puts into perspective on how we will live our lives.
Teens today, who attend church, usually participate in volunteering activities because their church will offer such things. There are many opportunities for teens around the Plattsburgh area with local churches to get involved this summer and help out around the community.
“I remember going to church school and they would tell us about programs going on and how we should help, “ Jessica LeClair says, who has moved away from the area about 9 years ago. She used to be from Massena, and soon moved to Vermont and went to a Catholic school where they were taught to always help out your community.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers many programs for people who are in the giving mood.
“Mission is an important part of the United Methodist Church. There are many ways to get involved and contribute your time and spiritual gifts. Whether it’s in the church community, local community, or world community, everyone has the potential to affect positive change in the lives of others, and to enrich and be enriched by the interweaving of our journeys,” says the churches mission.
The Plattsburgh United Methodist Church offers a family program that provides shelter and meals for families who are in need. These families help other families find housing and employment while they are in a safe spot.
Another relief effort that this church offers is once called, UMCOR. It is a not-for-profit global humanitarian aid organization that is involved in 80 different countries. The mission of this group is to help those suffering dude to natural causes, or by war and natural conflict. Plattsburgh’s United Methodist Church lends a hand by sending health kits, school kits, and flood buckets.
“I think having these opportunities to help out is great, “ LeClair says.
For a more community based volunteer program this church presents an Interfaith Food Shelter, which according to the church, “was established to meet the needs of people in our community.”
It provides community awareness of the problem, which is all around, and for those who are more fortunate, may not see.
Another way to volunteer time is with the soup ministry through the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church. Here, they prepare and deliver soup to people in need and people are always welcomes by the church to help with this program.
Helping others in times of need can be both rewarding and heart felt. This summer there is an opportunity at the Strawberry Festival that is held each June, along with the Autumn Festival, which is held in September, to provide fellowship and is a time where people can come together to help the church’s mission. All of these proceeds will go towards the church’s mission in the end.
Summer brings heat, smiles, a time of family togetherness for some and a time of working and helping for others. Teens this summer looking for something extra to do can contact their local churches and find out what they offer for volunteer programs.
“When you think of summer you think of fun, but there are other people around who are not so fortunate, so really it’s a rewarding feeling,” LeClair says.