Our St. Peter's Church young people and youth will be participating in a mission
project during 2008 in Schuylkill County, PA. to help build communities by
uniting neighbors and neighborhoods. We will be working with vounteers from
many other United Methodist Churches in the Philadelphia area. Perhaps the
best description of the mission effort is found in the following newspaper article
"The REPUBLICAN & Herald" - Army of Volunteers Accomplished Much
Date: 08/19/2007
"During the week of Aug. 5, "Darryl's Army" invaded Pottsville, much to
the curiosity of residents and passing motorists, while the troops
tackled several projects in the city's designated Elm Street are of
North Centre and Nichols streets, as well as at the Salvation Army
building in the Fifth Ward.
That curiosity quickly turned to generosity as local businesses,
hospitals, organizations and indviduals donated food and drinks while
others were planning, then sponsoring well thoughtout meals for the
50-plus teenage volunteers from the Edison,NJ-based JUNE project.
As their ranks swelled unexpectedly during the week, so did Pottsville's
response to appeals for supplies
Unfortunately space doesn't permit me to list every business,
organization, city official/employee and idnvidual who made the Rev.
Darryl Duer's group welcome to the city an overwhelming one. However, you
know who you are, and I thank you.
Meanwhile, before leaving Pottsville on their last day(after each member
of the group received a "key to the city" from Mayor John Reiley) the
"troops" asked me to pass along their thanks to the city as well.
These kids- enlisted from various Methodist Churches - weren't "in
trouble" or "had to community service" as some people speculated.
These volunteers do the work because they want to help communities.
(They actually pay $200 each for the privilege of doing backbreaking work)
Apparently, it comes naturally to them- as it doesn for many kids in our
area as well. I'm happy to confirm that "Darryl's Army" will again be
marching down the streets of Pottsville next August in bigger numbers.
The "battle" plans are already in a advanced stages.
The results of the kids' had work are evident in the Elm Street area.
However, of the JUNE Project's main goals is to unite neighbors and
neighborhoods. These is no doubt that goal was far surpassed."
Mike McGeever, Elm Street Manager
City of Pottsville, Schuylkill Community Action