When Gordon Anderson, Oregon state representative, heard about Grants Pass Adventist School's (GPAS) service projects, he contacted them about coordinating Youth Against Hunger.

Between October and January, the ninth- and 10th-grade class brainstormed, attended meetings and planned for Youth Against Hunger Awareness Day. Student leaders from other schools were included, and together they arranged lodging and food for out-of-town participants, advertised in various media, designed hats with logos, and planned the program.

Four students met in Portland with the U.S. ambassador for hunger, Tony Hall. Kathy Johal, a ninth-grader, said, "It was an incredible experience I will always value."

When the big day, Jan. 24, arrived, the morning was packed with information, skits and interactive games. After lunch the students went door-to-door with flyers explaining where to go if you were hungry or how to help fight hunger. "The people were very receptive after they realized we weren't asking for money," explained Cindy Daggy, a ninth-grader. The day ended with a "Vaudeville for Hunger" show put on by area youth. Everyone who attended donated cans of food or money.

If you are interested in getting involved in Youth Against Hunger, you may contact John Ramig at johnr@springwatersolutions.com.