St John Neumann's Fast for Social Action

This past March I met the most amazing group of young men and women, and I must share their accomplishments!! These young adults, from the Merrimack area, were participating in the St John Neumann's Fast for Social Action. The Fast is an opportunity for the youth participants to raise money for local non-profits as well as to learn about the missions of these organizations. During the Fast, which was held on March 20th and 21st, the participants - mostly 6th through 12 graders - abstain from eating solid food for 30 hours, drinking only juice and water, to give them an idea of how others in our own community, and around the world, are sometimes forced to choose between food and other necessities. Prior to the Fast, they collect money from friends, relatives, schoolmates, and others who "sponsor" them for their Fast, all of which will be donated to the chosen non-profit agencies. To give you an idea of what has been accomplished over the past 12 years,the Fast participants have raised over $200,000 for the more than 35 local non-profit agencies that they have sponsored. In addition, the kids, along with donations from local schools and members of the parish, have collected over 65,000 pounds of food for the St. John Neumann Food Pantry and other Nashua and Merrimack food pantries. This year, one of the agencies they sponsored was...... !*!*!*!*! Project Linus!*!*!*!*! These young adults stepped up to ensure that NH children in crisis will have the blanket hugs they need for the 2009/2010 winter season. Just when we were about to close our chapter due to a severe drop in donations, our angels appeared, and our mission will continue There are not enough words available to describe our deep gratitude to these angels who have put the needs of others ahead of their own. Thank you.....Thank you....Thank you........Thank You.