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Show ITIMES February 17. 200J Patrons of the Ogden Rescue Mission partake In the nightly dinner offered to anyone who is hungry. Airman from Hill volunteered to serve dinner last Friday night. Of RC STORY AND PHOTOS BY BETH YOUNG Hilltop Times staff Many Airmen choose to interact and help the community through volunteering and one of the most popular choices for members of the Junior Enlisted Association here is lending a hand at the Ogden Rescue Mission. When the JEA sent out an e-mail requesting volunteers to serve the evening meal at the mission — on a Friday and Saturday night, no less — 20 people responded within the hour. This more than fulfilled the need for the three volunteers requested. "They could raise money or something like that, but it just wouldn't be the same," said Senior Airman John Bettencourt, a previous JEA volunteer coordinator. "A lot of people choose this activity because it's fulfilling, not just for them but for others. Feeding the homeless leaves you feeling you really helped someone." The Airmen not only serve the meal, they also wait until everyone has finished eating to help with the clean-up. In addition to meals, the Ogden Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter and clothing to anyone who Jim Branham, a cook at the mission, hands Airman Ryan Augutine and Airman Harmony Lenhart plates of food to be set out on the tables before the patrons arrive. needs it. They also offer Christian counseling, addiction recovery and medical attention. "Nobody is ever turned away," said Larry Smith, mission volunteer liaison. To accomplish this, the mission relies heavily on volunteers and many of them come from Hill. "Volunteerism, of course, goes up during the holidays, and then it drops down dramatically after," said Gary Doud, Ogden Rescue Mission director. "The beautiful part about our relationship (with the base) is the continuity, which is great throughout the year." The giving goes both ways in this relationship. Last year, after a fire in the Hill housing area, the mission provided the family with much needed clothing and household items. Mr. Doud says they were more than willing to help the organization that has helped them so much over the years. "We just enjoy and appreciate (the Hill volunteers) so much," he said. "Hill is also very supportive with donations of clothes, food and money Located on Wall Avenue in Ogden, the warm glow of the Ogden Rescue Mission sign has been proclaiming hope, peace and love to the community for more than 30 years. throughout the year." For more information about volunteering at the Ogden Rescue Mission, call them at 621-4360 or the JEA at Ext. 7-3457. Airman 1st Class Shannon Frazier cleans up tables after dinner. |