News : Blessed Hope Youth forfeit trip to help Vinton recover

Blessed Hope youth, scheduled a u-turn in plans and stay to help their community this week.

Blessed Hope youth group members canceled a trip to stay in Vinton to help storm victims.

For many months, the youth group of Blessed Hope Church, has been raising money to help pay for a missions trip to Michigan. They've planned and prepared.

Then the storm two weeks ago changed the hearts and minds of the youth.

Upon a request from the youth, the trip has been cancelled and instead of travelling, they will be working in Vinton for the next week, helping those that have no one else to turn to.

They will be camping out at the church, and spending the evening together, but will be using their energy and resources here in the community.

Elder Dave Mulder spoke of how their commitment impressed him.

Having worked with teenagers, he spoke about how teens enjoy a chance to plan a trip and then take that trip. But their desire to stay and help out the town was commendable.

Tuesday plans include bringing a tractor and dump truck in to speed up the loading and hauling of debris.

So if you sent Flamingos to a friends yard, or supported the grilled hot dog fundraiser, or donated to the group, your dollars will be spent to help out the residents here, in storm damaged Vinton.