Miller YMCA Youth & Government Teens Volunteer to Feed Hungry

NEWBURY PARK, Calif. - Feb. 5, 2015 - PRLog -- The 50 high school members of the Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park’s Youth & Government delegation recently made over 300 sack lunches that were then delivered to a homeless shelter.

         The lunches were prepared through a project called Local United Network in Combatting Hunger (LUNCH) based in Los Angeles. “Our Youth & Government teens have always been really passionate about helping others,” says Jessie Bringelson, Miller Y programs director. “This was a great way for them to make a big impact working together as one delegation. We turned up the music, set up workstations and the teens just got to work. It feels good to think outside our bubble in Newbury Park and make an impact on another community.”

         The lunches were delivered to the Ocean Park Community Center (OPCC) in Santa Monica, an organization empowering people to rebuild their lives.

         “We didn’t really know what to expect when we started planning this event; how many people would show up, how we would possibly make that many lunches in a short amount of time. In the end, it went seamlessly and it was a humbling and bonding time for our delegation,” says Natalie Krause, president of the Miller Y Youth & Government delegation and a senior at La Reina High School. “I was amazed to see how dedicated everyone was to the cause and how happy everyone was to be there and helping. It was an extremely gratifying experience.”

         The Miller Y Youth & Government delegation is getting ready for a trip to Sacramento later this month to join delegations from other YMCAs from across the state. For five days, the teens will culminate their months of preparation by holding mock legislative and court proceedings that include lobbying for bills, fighting court cases and debating international issues. The program events take place in the California Senate and Assembly chambers, California Supreme Court chambers and appellate and trial courts. “This is the only youth program that is given access to these amazing facilities to not only tour, but take over for five days,” says Bringelson. “We are so excited about this trip.”

         The YMCA’s Youth & Government program is for students in grades nine through 12. Programs take place at local YMCAs. For more information, contact Bringelson at 805-480-0309 jbringelson@millerymca.org or the YMCA near you.