Wayne, PA — In the midst of exams, research papers, and all-night study sessions, serving the poor in the community may not be high on the list of priorities for many college students. But this has been the focus for groups of students across the U.S. who have spent the past few months organizing community service projects that address the issue of hunger around the country.
Each project was led by a member of the HOPE worldwide National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC). Hope worldwide serves over 2.5 million people each year and operates in 75 countries around the world. NYAC was created to engage young people who are passionate about helping those in poverty and to train them in nonprofit leadership.
Each spring, members of the NYAC organize the HOPE worldwide Signature Youth Service Day during which members from different U.S. cities host a service project. During the annual Servant Leadership Retreat, the Council decided that each member would plan a service project that directly addresses the issue of hunger in their community.
As each NYAC member researched hunger in their city, they began to see that the task ahead of them was no small one. In the United States, over 50 million Americans struggle from food insecurity. This makes up roughly 15 percent of households around the country, the most severely impacted of those being households with children. As these numbers became clear in the eyes of the NYAC members, the call to action became heavy on their hearts.
On April 27th, each NYAC member led a service project in their city. In total, there were 253 volunteers who fed 900 people suffering from hunger. Over 300 pounds of food was collected and $2,045 was raised. Some groups collaborated with shelters or food pantries while others created their own projects to provide food.
“The HOPE service project is more than just one meal and feeding people for one day,” said Emily Shapiro, A NYAC member from Asheville, NC. “It’s about creating a culture of service in our generation that will encourage young people to look beyond their own personal lives and help others who are less privileged.”
Michael Woods, executive director of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries in Asheville where Emily’s group served, expresses full confidence in young leaders like Emily.
“I believe that young people definitely have a heart and capacity to effect change in the world,” affirms Michael. “Together, the next generation of leaders can really make a difference.”
To find out more about HOPE Worldwide, visit www.hopeww.org.
