SOAR teens do community work

The SOAR "Teams In Service" program is looking for more work projects. If you want something done that falls in the category of community service, you better get your request in.

Thirteen busy Sisters middle school and high school students showed why last Friday at the new Sisters fire hall.

The students spent three hours washing trucks in preparation for the open house at the fire hall that took place on Saturday.

Rob Harrison, firefighter and paramedic, said the youths did a great job.

Anne Heath, teen program coordinator for SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities & Recreation) said the students work on a different community project every Friday this summer from 9 a.m. to noon.

They have worked at the Kiwanis Food Bank, pulled weeds and swept sidewalks in preparation for the Quilt Show, and split and stacked wood for the Sisters Habitat for Humanity winter firewood program.

Heath said they are always looking for new projects for the teens.

"The kids are very willing. They like feeling good about themselves," she said. "They have fun and we have a chance to talk. I like them to think about what they will be as citizens and learn about community service.

"Kids may be old enough to stay home alone, but they may spend a lot of time watching TV or on a computer, instead of interacting with other people. They can learn some new skills, and it's a lot healthier," she added.

Heath said future plans are to work at a nursing home and a daycare facility.

Call SOAR at 549-2091 for more information.