Teens from across Midwest answer president's call for community service

By Jasmine Huda

KSDK -- President Barack Obama has inspired a group of teens to step up and take charge. Tomorrow, teens belonging to the country's largest African-American family organization will meet in St. Louis for a day of service.

"Sometimes we don't get to see it every day, but people are struggling out here, they're underprivileged individuals we need to pay attention to," Kyle Burton, 18, said.

Burton and about 110 teens will take part in a community service event organized by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The organization began in 1938, with the mission to help mothers connect and share parenting tips with each other. It now encourages African-American teens to get involved in community service and leadership projects.

"It's a part of who I am. That's what Jack and Jill is, is to help the lesser privileged people than we are. Basically it's become who I am as a person," Sarai Williams, 18, said.

The teens will take part in three big projects Friday. Among them is a trip to deliver donated suits and toiletries to the Fathers Support Center in St. Louis. The FSC is a non-profit organization that helps fathers, many of them unemployed, live productive lives.

Chester Deanes of the Fathers' Support Center said the event creates a connection between teens and the fathers.

"Many of these teenagers are parents-to-be or fathers-to-be," Deanes said. "And for them to understand to live the role of a productive, young citizen seeking their education, not getting involved in drugs, they could also become more productive parents."

The group will also visit the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, where they will take place in a walk-a-thon to raise money for the organization.

Linda Nance of Annie Malone said President Obama's call for Americans to volunteer sends an important message to teens.

"It's important for them to know that not everybody is as fortunate as they are. It's important for them to learn how to volunteer and give back. Because if you don't have children who aren't doing it now, volunteering, you don't have adults that do that either," she said.

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