Young people deliver meals at apartments

Almost 50 residents at the Bettie S. Davis Village apartment complex off Carolina Road opened their doors to find free lunch waiting for them on Friday.

About 30 children, teens and leaders from the youth department of Greater Sweet Beulah Church on Maple Street visited the apartment complex starting at 11:30 a.m. after spending the morning packing the lunches. They had previously taken orders from residents, who were able to request ham or turkey sandwiches.

The lunches also included chips, an apple and bottled water with powdered flavoring packets.

“We tried to keep it healthy,” said Shauna Wilkins, assistant supervisor of the youth department.

The deliverers ranged in age from preschool to high school, along with their adult leaders. Students took turns handing seniors their meals, which were accompanied by a printed scripture and a prayer request card, which they were told they could return to their front office to be delivered to Greater Sweet Beulah.

Most residents of the apartments are elderly or disabled, Wilkins said.

“It makes me feel better,” said 8-year-old Jordan Drayton, a Hillpoint Elementary School student who did deliveries.

Daliyah Jordan, an 8-year-old Kilby Shores Elementary School student, said the deliveries were “helpful” to the recipients.

“Other people might not have what you have,” she said, explaining why she’s been taught in church to give back.

Youth department leader Toriano Johnson said the church is trying to get its young people started early.

“It shows the church is willing to help outside of the church and let the seniors know they’re not forgotten,” he said.

Meal recipient Robert Lee Whitney said he appreciated the gesture.

“I’m glad to see somebody doing something good,” he said.