Central Cambria students serve the less fortunate

January 24, 2008 01:00 pm

— BY ANDREA NIEDERERR
FAMILY CENTER
This fall, students who were participating in Communities In Schools’ service-learning projects completed assignments targeted toward raising awareness of poverty issues among young people.
The participants were funded through the Benjamin Bosler Fund, granted through The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
On Oct. 25, middle school students from Central Cambria Middle School, Ebensburg, served lunch to those in need at the Family Kitchen, 231 Bedford St., Johnstown.
“It’s important to help other people, because not everyone goes home to have supper,” said Corey Lazeration, a middle school student.
“Someone has to care about people who are lonely and hungry.”
Students cleaned the dining area, served a sit-down (restaurant-style) meal, provided more than 300 cookies baked in their after-school program for desert, and shared conversation with the clients.
One diner commented, “These kids have changed my opinion of youth today.”
Students truly benefited far more from their activities in this project than the kitchen’s clients. Projects such as these connect youth in a positive way to their communities.
If they are positively connected and believe that adults care about them, young people are less likely to cause harm through negative actions.
“Service learning is a great way for our kids to apply skills,” said Annette Dean, program director for Communities In Schools. “It’s good to see youth reaching out to members of the community and benefiting from their positive actions.”
Information: Communities In Schools’ after-school programs, call 472-2225, ext.2.

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