Give ‘n take: Youth Center accepts food donations Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Pope Youth Center POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Every family should have the opportunity to enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving feast during the holidays. And residents of the Pope and Fort Bragg communities are fortunate to live amongst compassionate people who have demonstrated a constant willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. The Pope Torch and Keystone clubs are facilitating an opportunity for our local community to show its generosity by collecting pre-packaged foods for the Fayetteville chapter of the Salvation Army. The donated goods will help the local Salvation Army supply holiday meals for the less fortunate citizens of the local community. The Salvation Army's delivery of holiday meals is a tradition that dates back many years. "It is an honor to join with them to help make Thanksgiving special for families that may not otherwise be able to celebrate the holidays," said Zuhal O'Haver, Pope Youth Center teen coordinator. "It would be a shame for local families to miss out on the joy of a good holiday meal," said Amanda Shaffer, Program Coordinator at the Youth Center. "The youth and teens' action to help needy families celebrate the holidays is a testament to their concern for those who are less fortunate. This kind of sharing reflects the true spirit of the holidays." During the holidays, the Pope Youth Center will continue to find various organizations or groups in need of food, material needs and the help of time. The general public is encouraged to drop off donations of canned or boxed food at the Pope Youth Center until 2 p.m. Nov. 17. People are encouraged to donate their spare time volunteering. For more information on this and other Youth Center programs, please call 394-1045.