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Hundreds of Catholic teens descended on the Lowcountry on Sunday,
traveling from Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Florida and Georgia to
sleep on the floors of H.E. McCracken Middle School.
They
came in vans and buses, wearing shirts with slogans, such as "Live
in His world, pray in ours," "When you pray, move your feet," and
"Serving others, one week at a time."
Their objective? To volunteer their time doing work for elderly
and disabled Lowcountry residents.
The
teens are all part of Catholic HEART (Helping Everyone Attain
Repairs Today) Work Camp, a national program that brings young
people together to work and perform minor home repairs, as well as
grow in their faith.
From
their base at H.E. McCracken Middle School, the 375 campers will
work on 55 projects in Beaufort and Jasper counties, chosen by
United Way of Beaufort County. |
The
campers will work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Thursday,
then take time to enjoy the Lowcountry on Friday.
Work
projects include such things as painting, yard work, cleaning and
minor exterior repairs, said Maggie McGowan, camp director. Some
groups will work with Sun City woodworkers for larger projects.
Jackie Holmes, 17, of Atlanta's Transfiguration Catholic Church,
said this is her fifth Catholic HEART Work Camp trip. She will
travel to Mobile, Ala., for another project next week.
"It's
the most amazing week of my life," Holmes said.
One
of the most emotional experiences is at the end of the week, she
said, when the residents who had work done to their homes come to
thank the campers.
Meghan Kanzler, 15, also from Atlanta, said this is her first trip
but she is looking forward to seeing the reactions on people's
faces when the work is done. |
Michael Finnegan, 18, agreed.
"Coming from a family where we can always get the things we need
and want, it is neat to help others and see the smile on their
faces," he said.
Barbara Kanzler, a group leader with the Atlanta group, said when
the church began attending the work camp six years ago, there were
only 15 participants. This year, she said, there were 15 vans full
of teens.
"The
kids love it," she said. "They give up a week of their summer to
do it."
This
is the sixth year Catholic HEART Work Camp has come to the
Lowcountry, said Bethany Marcinkowski, director of resource
services for the local United Way.
"It
is such a pleasure to see the spirit of this group," she said. "It
is so genuine and real."
Reporter Jennifer Moore can be reached at 837-5255,
ext. 122, or
Jennifer.e.moore@
Lowcountrynow.com |
