Morgan Zemaitis, 16, a rising junior at Mallard Creek High, wanted to get more teens together to help community families, after taking part in a middle-school youth group service project through Mecklenburg Community Church.
So in June and July, Morgan organized Saturday afternoon volunteer events where several dozen teens helped at Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store, which gives clothes and more to people in need.
“Morgan is kind of a force to be reckoned with,” said Michelle Hamilton, Crisis Assistance Ministry chief development officer. “Her goal is to motivate more young people to get involved.”
A volunteer day for teenagers will be the last Saturday of each month. Morgan said they keep the atmosphere fun with music and snacks, and teens enjoy the social atmosphere and can get community service hours. Crisis Assistance Ministry, founded in 1975, helps low-income residents in Mecklenburg County who are facing financial emergencies and struggling with basic needs.
Morgan created the Crisis Assistance Youth Advocacy Coalition to encourage teens to help in the community, and Hamilton said future projects could include furniture and clothing drives. The next CAYAC volunteer opportunity is 1-3 p.m. Saturday: Email cayac@crisisassistance.org or visit CAYAC on Facebook.
