CityYouth Ministries provides service in Trumann

Rennell Woods, director of CityYouth Minisitires in Jonesboro, spoke to Trumann's Rotary Club on July 15 regarding a reach out program they are doing with the Trumann commuity to feed needy children. (DT Photo / Miranda Remaklus)

After over a decade of serving Northern Jonesboro, CityYouth Ministries has begun to branch out into Northeast Arkansas.

Rennell Woods, director of CityYouth Ministries in Jonesboro, spoke to Trumann's Rotary Club on July 15. Woods said he approached Trumann Mayor Sheila Walters at the beginning of the summer. He had the idea to serve meals to those in need in the community.

For about seven weeks, volunteers with CityYouth Ministries have served 1,500 to 2000 meals which include a sandwich, chips, milk and an ice cream treat. Walters said the volunteers go to Melody Street and Walnut Street.

"The children see the food," Woods said. "But they also see people who care about them. We have the opportunity to do something very special here."

"We've been told that a lot of these kids would not have anything to eat if we didn't take them this food," Walters said.

CityYouth Ministries is reimbursed for the funds they put into this project.

Woods did not request donations but rather prayer for God's will to continue to be done in the community.

The ministry began branching out with Paragould. Woods said he began working with a church in the town and opened their doors to children who live in Pecan Grove, which is a public housing community.

CityYouth Ministries began in Jonesboro in 1997 as an effort amongst community leaders, business leaders and pastors to help children in the impoverished area of North Jonesboro.