By Bobbie Roper
For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — How does a group of civic-minded teens get involved in service projects in and around the community? It goes to the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce to present its service ideas, and a group like the Trussville Teen Council is born.
The Teen Council started in October with 15 members. Along with three adult leaders, this group of 14 seniors and one sophomore has a heart for service and for its community. The council discovers a service need in the community and through donations and support from area residents and businesses, service happens.
For its initial service project, the council wanted to feed a dinner to the residents of the Ronald McDonald House, which provides a home-away-from-home for families with ill and injured children who must travel to Birmingham to receive treatment. The families staying at the Ronald McDonald house enjoy a cozy bedroom and dinners provided by volunteers, other families and the staff.
On Dec. 7, the council served lasagna, salad, bread, drinks and dessert to the 40 family members staying there, thanks to donations by Fresh Value Market and The Olive Garden.
Trussville Teen Council members are Bethany Burgess, Abby Chapell, Kaley Cochran, Rebekah Dennis, JaRon Godbolt, Anna Leigh Justice, Melissa Lawrence, Chase Mathews, Dylan McCormick, Madison Plyman, Makenzie Plyman, Alan Roper, Lauren Smith, Olivia Vincent and Elizabeth Weyerman. Adult leaders are Tessa Kirk, Megan Patterson and Bobbie Roper.