Published: July 07, 2008 04:23 pm         

Youth group feeds the homeless

The youth group at Merrimac Missionary Baptist Church served lunch Saturday to the people who were staying at the Christian Shelter for the Homeless.

“During Bible School the students studied how to serve the community, to give back,” Youth Leader Sally Johnson said. “I thought this would be the best way to show it by feeding the homeless.”

Theresa Marinaro, one of the managers at the shelter, said the 25 people who stayed for lunch were fed pizza and bread sticks from Pizza Hut, chicken and rice casserole, and a cake made by a member of Merrimac Baptist Church.

The youth group also held a canned food drive during Bible School for the shelter. In addition, they gave half of the money they raised during Bible School at various events to the shelter, which amounted to $250.

“We really appreciate all of this,” Marinaro said.

Richard McHenry, from Massillon, Ohio, was one of the homeless who enjoyed a good meal Saturday and shared his circumstances.

“Bad choices,” McHenry said. “I wound up here. That’s all.”

“You won’t find a better shelter,” he added. “I’ve been in a few.”

Richard Dykes, of Somerset, has been in and out of homeless shelters for the past three years.

“I still work,” Dykes said. “It’s off and on, part-time.”

“This is a better shelter than the others I’ve stayed in,” he noted.

Larry Meeks, of New Orleans, was a victim of Hurricane Katrina that struck a few years ago.

“The hurricane took everything I had,” Meeks said. “I’m just passing through. I’m waiting on some money to take with me to go on home back to New Orleans.”

Ashley Hicks, of Clairfield, Tenn., was staying at the shelter because her mother did not have room for her and her two children, Madison and Bradley.

Following the meal, the youth group from Merrimac Baptist Church sang songs to the homeless at the shelter.