Youth Group Assists Kids at Risk
Late last fall, a member of St. John Lutheran Church approached the combined Youth Groups of Redeemer and St. John about whether they would assist in purchasing and assembling toiletry kits for Kids at Risk. Kids at Risk is a program administered by The Bridge, and basic toiletries are given to children that need them here in the Valley. They responded with an enthusiastic “YES!” So a grant was applied for and received through Thrivant Financial. The weekend before Christmas, the youth went to Wal-Mart to purchase necessary items, being sure to practice new skills in comparison shopping. If they found an item too expensive, members of St. John purchased elsewhere at a better price. Members of Redeemer contributed toothpaste and other toiletries and members of St. John contributed deodorant and toiletries as well.
On a Sunday afternoon, the Youth gathered at St. John to assemble the kits. Mary Cerutti organized quite an afternoon for them! With the help of Gene Cerutti, Bob and Bev Cornell, Frank and Cheryl Bottone, Jean Neile, Judy Fagner, parent Belinda Klovekorn and Youth Group Leader Margaret Cole, the kits were assembled in short order. Cindy Jones, Kids at Risk coordinator addressed the group about the program. Hot dogs, pizza and other snacks were provided. An energetic game of broom hockey was played in the North Wing. Needless to say, a good time was had by all.
