Michigan Youth Challenge Academy cadets volunteer in Flint

Members of the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy recently volunteered to help out at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan located in Flint. Two platoons of MYCA cadets spent a few hours of their time to give back to the community by sorting and organizing food items for distribution to needy members of the surrounding area.

“The Cadets positively affected our operations by sorting over 18,000 lbs. of food donations in a couple of hours from various sources which is about 2,000 more than we process in a normal day. They were wonderful, probably one of the most efficient groups we have ever had here and we hope to have them back soon,” said Jessica Williams, Operating Warehouse Associate, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

While at the food bank the cadets displayed their ability to demonstrate the fulfillment of the eight core Challenge tenets by performing community service.

“Community service shows us that we all play a role in the community and that anyone can help someone in need,” said Cadet Chase Paasen.

“It feels good to have a second chance to turn my life around and be part of something bigger than myself. We’re here doing something for people less fortunate than us,” said Cadet Raleigh Dunn.

The MYCA cadets demonstrated their ability to work in teams, maintain discipline and perform assigned tasks in a fast, accurate and professional manner bringing credit to both themselves and MYCA.

“They are a great bunch of gentlemen. They were able to quickly sort out products that will help serve 417 agencies in 22 surrounding counties. A group this size was perfect and they were very nice gentlemen, very nice manners and very well behaved,” said Karol Conrad, Volunteer Coordinator, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

For more information about MYCA, visit http://miycp.org or call 1‐800‐372‐0523.