Providence youth council has successful food drive

By G. Christopher Terry

December 12, 2008 | PROVIDENCE -- The Providence Youth Council, a service group for kids in grades 8-12, held its annual Christmas food drive Dec. 6. The group's leader, Terri Wennergren, said the event generated 150 cans of food, which were subsequently donated to a local charity.

"We have 29 youth council members. Most are really active and willing to work hard to do the service," Wennergren said.

The members of youth council, who learn about how government operates on a local level in addition to accruing service hours, went door-to-door in the community to generate interest in the drive.

"We had Santa here [at the city office] and told everybody to come see Santa and if they were able to bring a can of food," Wennergren said. "I only know of about three families that forgot the food."

Wennergren noted that the families legitimately forgot the food and were not using that as an excuse; and all three rectified their mistake by either returning home to fetch a canned food item or making a cash donation.

City Recorder Skarlet Bankhead praised Wennergren and the youth council members in her staff report to the City Council on Tuesday, calling the event a "success," and also remarked upon the convincing performance by the Santa Claus performer.

At that point Councilwoman Kathy Baker needled Councilman Ron Liechty by suggesting that it was in fact Liechty in costume at the youth council food drive. Wennergren said it was gratifying to see "all these families come together to help these families in need," in a continuation of a 10-year tradition in Providence.

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