Manning youth help rebuild homes

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Seven youth from Manning United Methodist Church attended Salkehatchie Summer Service program last month. The seven youth who attended said after returning home that they felt more appreciative of the things they have. The Salkehatchie Summer Service program is a servant ministry located at selected sites in South Carolina. The program is open to high school and college-aged youth, community leaders and persons of any culture. The program is geared toward upgrading housing in various communities throughout South Carolina. The MUMC group not only dedicated eight days of their summer, but also paid $230 to attend the program. They worked on upgrading homes located in the Bishopville area. The youth arrived on June 24 and stayed at a local high school for the week, sleeping on cots and inflatable mattresses. The youth spent the first day in orientation and setting up and viewing the home sites in need of repair. The second day, the youth attended church and spent time getting to know participating youth from other areas. Monday morning, according to the youth leaders, each participating group was assigned to selected work sites. Many of the homes needed extensive repairs and the youth were able to learn basic carpentry skills throughout the work week. The groups donated their services to fix flooring and siding issues on homes that were in need of repair. Isabella Harris, 15, said the eight-day experience made her more appreciative of what she has back home. Katherine Burns, also 15, said the group was chased by a mouse. “There was a mouse in the school where we were sleeping,” said Burns. “A few of the mattresses popped but no-one complained. This is my second year and I did it again because it was a great learning experience for me the first time as well as a lot of fun.” The program is offered from May through August every year, and camp sites exist all over the state. To donate to the program, make checks payable to Salkehatchie Summer Service and mail to 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.