National Days of Service gets FFA involved in the community

Hundreds of Future Farmers of America members will volunteer their time and skills Oct. 25 and 26 to help a host of Indianapolis-area organizations.

Each year during its annual National FFA Convention & Expo, the National FFA Organization stages its National Days of Service and encourages students to volunteer. The program is designed to educate FFA members about the importance of community service to both local communities and their own personal development.

The 10 organizations that FFA members will volunteer for are:

• Agape Therapeutic Riding Center, which has an equestrian program for those who have disabling conditions or are at risk;
• Central Indiana Land Trust, which works with residents in the community to protect and restore important land including farm and timber lands;
• Damar Services, which provides residential and support services to more than 1,400 children and adults with developmental and behavioral challenges;
• Gleaners Food Bank, which helps feed the hungry in 21 countries with more than 410 nonprofit organizations;
•  Indy Parks, which maintains more than 200 city parks;
• Jameson Camp, which is a wellness camp that promotes healthy choices in nutrition and fitness for children affected by HIV/AIDS;
• Joy’s House, which allows aging adults and those living with physical or mental challenges to participate in a social environment;
• Maplelawn Farmstead, which helps future generations understand why farming is important and experience the effect of heritage preservation in communities;
• Second Helpings, which accepts donated perishable and overstocked food to prepare nutritious meals for thousands of hungry children and adults every day; and
• St. Vincent De Paul-Pantry, which operates a food pantry program to assist community members in need.

For more, visit www.ffa.org.