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Yes, it's true--we love THE GOD SQUAD! Read more below--click on the photos too--from the Everything Croton Mailbox:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - God Squad continues its day of community
service for Croton seniors with 2nd Annual Fall Cleaning
Croton-on-Hudson, New York (November 7, 2015) –
Holy Name of Mary’s youth group, “God Squad,” raked yards and patios, put away
patio furniture, turned over compost piles, fertilized lawns and evergreens and
removed air conditioners, as part of its second annual “Fall Cleaning”
initiative. God Squad has been providing
this service each fall and spring for the senior citizens of its parish
community.
The Fall Cleaning that took place on Saturday
included 11 homes in the community and over 30 student and parent volunteers,
according to Holy Name of Mary Youth Minister, Carl Barnes. Many of the student
volunteers were members of God Squad and the 8th grade Confirmation class at
Holy Name of Mary, but quite a few came from local Boys & Girls scout
troops. We could not have accomplished all that we did without the help of a
growing number of student and parent volunteers,” exclaimed Mr. Barnes.
The day began with registration at Baked By
Susan’s, one of God Squad’s local community partners. “Susan has been donating cakes, pies and
bread to our Homeless Awareness Sleepout and many of our weekly meetings. Food is a big part of youth ministry and this
gave us a chance to show our appreciation to Susan O’Keefe for her generosity,
by supporting her business this morning” shared Mr. Barnes. (EDITOR'S NOTE: For more, see BAKEDBYSUSAN.COM)
Words like “fulfilling, fun, satisfied, happy,
thankful, compassionate and amazing” were heard throughout the day from the God
Squad volunteers and our senior citizens alike.
God Squad student leader Charlie O’Brien said that it was “rewarding to
meet people in the community that I might not otherwise get to meet if it
weren’t for this day of service.”
God Squad volunteer Meredith Kehoe said she
“felt better connected to Croton by getting around town to meet new people in
places that she would not otherwise get to.” She was “thankful to be able to do
the small things that make a positive difference in people’s lives.” Meredith’s friend Maddie Barnes added that
the experience “opened my eyes to ways that I can help my community. Community is important and little things like
this matter!”
God Squad youth minister Lindsay Gilbert pointed
out how hopeful she is to see “kids and young adults that
want to help out and do their part for their local community. I am continually amazed by their dedication
and love and compassion for others.”
After 2 years of service, the fall and spring
cleaning events continue to grow in interest.
“We hope to be able to offer this service as long as there is interest
in the community to support it,” stated Holy Name of Mary’s Youth Minister,
Carl Barnes.
