Multicultural Interfaith Youth Group Picks Apples Sunday for Neighbors in Need

Youth between the ages of 13 and 18 are invited to join the Multiucultural Interfaith Youth Group on Sunday, November 10 at 4 pm to pick apples at Green Mountain Orchard in Putney for Loaves & Fishes’ “Fill the Truck” project, which provides food for the local homeless shelters and neighbors in need.

After apple picking, the group will return to Centre Congregational Church’s Memorial Hall in downtown Brattleboro. According to organizers, the purpose of this group is to build a multicultural community through friendships, food, fun and service– making a difference.

Church affiliation or attendance is not expected though numerous religious organizations in Windham County support the effort by hosting the group on a rotating basis and ensuring that all can participate, regardless of their spiritual affiliation or their ability to pay or fundraise.

“The youth group benefits equally from the perspectives of young people who are newcomers to this culture and from the experience of youth who have grown up here,” explained Brian Remer, group facilitator.  Remer describes the group evolution into a dynamic multicultural club for teens who are interested in sharing their cultures and learning about each other.

“This is a good time to bring a friend or attend for the first time,” Remer stated. He explained that each gathering typically features a short community service project for which the youth receive credits toward the 40 community services hours required for BUHS graduation and if there is both interest and commitment, the group can travel to more distant service sites. A discussion is underway whether there is interest in a Spring Break service trip to North Carolina where people are still rebuilding lives after devastating flooding.

“Past groups have tackled community service projects, social justice issues, learned about different faith traditions, canoe and camped together, held overnight “Lock-Ins” locally, attended youth leadership conferences and explored New York City’s diversity and rich traditions,” stated Remer. “The goal for this group is to build leadership skills and friendships among young people who care and want to make a difference in their communities,” he said.

In the past decade, youth performed community service in places as diverse as New Orleans, Kenya, St. Croix, El Salvador and the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. To ensure wide participation, the group conducts fundraisers leading up to each trip.

To sign up to participate this Sunday or for further information, contact Nanci Leitch at 802-258-8348 or email nanci.leitch@gmail.com