The Peru Gazette

Photo includes – Emma Altizer, Gabrielle Altizer, Alissa Chung, Rachel Collier, Sarah Connelly, Kariana Garrand, Mary Gilbert, Rebecca Gonyea, Sven Hecken, Russell Izzo, Kyler Kennedy, Emily McCall, Paige Moore, Boone Nolan, Morgan Reyell, Justus Ruff, Taylor Spear, Corey Knight and Charles Remillard. (Not pictured) Will Rice. Click here to see a larger photo.

While some teenagers were enjoying vacation time during the recent spring break, eighteen members of the Peru Community Church Senior High Youth Group were in Washington D.C. volunteering their time working in soup kitchens and food banks. They worked at five different sites: the DC Central Kitchen, S.O.M.E., Miriam’s Kitchen, Martha’s Table and Capitol Area Food Bank.  Shifts began as early as 5:30 a.m. on some days. Some young people went out on McKenna’s Wagon where they traveled in a van to distribute sandwiches, soup and sweets to people on the street.

This year the group was able to tour the Capitol together. There was enough time off to visit the monuments, museums, and memorials if they chose. They attended a church service at St. Augustine’s which is the oldest Black Catholic Church in Washington.  It has a lively contemporary service which is always fun to participate in.

The group left at Peru at 6 a.m. Saturday, April 10th and returned at 4 p.m. Friday, April 16th.   This was advisor Doug Garrand’s 11th year, Amanda Connelly’s third and final year and Cheryl Remillard’s first year as an advisor.

Pastor Bob Svenson was having surgery so he wasn’t able to go. He’s doing fine by the way.  He’s at home resting and getting restless!

Many thanks to the people of Peru Community Church, St. Augustine’s Church, the community and the many people and businesses that donated items and/or funds to help out!