Tender Mercies from teenagers

Teenagers these days … 

have a heart for service. During the month of April, the Morton Division worked with about 400 teens and grade school students packing Tender Mercies meals and re-packaging food products. Metamora High School students ended a testing day by gathering in the gym and working together to pack a total of 15,000 Tender Mercies meals.

"The event was a great way for teenagers, who can often be thinking about themselves, to stop and do something for someone else. It was good to provide an opportunity for them to work with classmates they might not be in classes with and see the value of everyone pitching in to get something accomplished," said Kevin Hodel, assistant principal at Metamora High School.

The next day a group of 20 grade school and high school students from around the United States were in Morton with their parents for the Rural Home Missionary Association's Small-Town Pastors' Conference hosted at Grace Church. They also learned how to measure, weigh and prepare Tender Mercies meals.

On a Friday afternoon in April about 80 Bradley University students packed about 18,000 Tender Mercies meals. Bradley Braves support Midwest Food Bank through their continued efforts of providing service opportunities on campus and then sponsoring Tender Mercies meals that are used throughout central Illinois.

And on the last day of April about 45 students representing schools in the Mid-Illini Conference were in Morton volunteering. These students are leaders for Student Council at their schools and the high school staff are always looking for ways to get them thinking about service.

The staff that came with the students said volunteering helps students learn that giving their time is important.  Having them package food or assemble Tender Mercies provides a tangible experience of helping others.

Teenagers these days …. Are making a difference.