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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – I would like to thank the students at Wausau West and D.C. Everest high schools who are part of Peyton’s Promise.
Last weekend I picked up food that Payton’s Promise collected from local donors. They distribute food to more than 200 small pantries in our area. One of them is it my church, The Cross, on Grand Avenue in Schofield. We also receive day-old bakery items from Festival Foods each week, which we are grateful for. During Sunday’s church service our pantry was overflowing. Much food was taken by those who need it. Our shelves will be restocked again shortly.
I’m glad that young people are aware of the needs in our community. We do our youth a disservice if they are shut off from those who don’t have enough.
Peyton’s Promise was started in 2007 by Peyton Medick, who saw a news story about a hungry child. What began as a single food drive has spread to many area schools. Today the program is run by high school students with adult mentors. Our youth are providing important help in our community and are learning to be leaders and advocates.
And I’m glad for groups like Payton’s Promise that give school students a chance to do something about local needs. The food they’ve collected has, indeed, been put to good use.
You’ve heard a lot about young people who are self-absorbed; lost in their electronics. Some… but not all. Some are helping to feed the hungry. Thank you to everyone involved in Peyton’s Promise.
Chris Conley



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