DECEMBER 2009 – Westside Newspaper
On a rainy Saturday in October, Kyung La Chae and eleven other high school students stood on the West Salem bridge holding umbrellas. Spelling out the phrase “E-N-D-H-U-N-G-E-R”, the group took it upon themselves as individuals to raise awareness about hunger concerns in the area.

Chae, an international student from South Korea, can no longer watch people’s needs being unmet. The problems of hunger and poverty have become issues she has chosen to stand up against. “Not long ago, I would feel sorry when I saw a homeless person in need. But when people suggested doing volunteer work, I would dismiss their comments believing that I had no time. I now see these people in a new way. Serving and helping the needy is not limited to anyone.”

As a senior in high school, Chae doesn’t let her age limit her abilities. Quite the opposite – she uses it to her advantage. With her youthful zeal and international perspective, Chae uses her time to help fight for others. A leader of “youth for End Hunger Now” (EHN), she believes that when young people step up and act, people listen. “When Senator Jeff Merkley came to Oregon, we stood with our umbrellas in hand making the phrase ‘End Hunger Now’. We captured his attention. He spent the longest time talking with us instead of the adults.”

Chae has also captured the attention of her school and impacted other students to join in serving and volunteering in the community. Matt Miller, also a senior, had his eyes opened during the End Hunger experience on the bridge. Even though he was campaigning for only a couple of hours, Miller took away with him a life lesson. “This experience was not about me. It opened my eyes to the needs of others around me, even those across the world.”

EHN, a youth program organized through the Marion-Polk Food Share, goes into public spaces doing flash mobs and hunger freeze campaigns to raise awareness about hunger. Their hope is that one day people will not need the food share.

For now, Chae believes hunger and poverty exist in the West Salem community, and is choosing to speak up. She knows people see and help the poor, but she doesn’t think people realize it is something that affects their own neighbors. Volunteering at the food share has opened her eyes to the reality of economic hardship. “You may see people in the community who have jobs and cars, but what you don’t see is that they don’t have money for food.”

Chae now sees the importance of giving her time and energy. She has learned that food is essential and without it more problems quickly arise, that it is difficult for people and families to go to the food share to get what they desperately need. Thus, Chae is passionate about seeing hungry people fed. “Everyone needs food. I was shocked to find out that 58% of students in Marion and Polk counties qualify to receive food from the food share.”

Chae encourages people to get involved in the community for something they are passionate about. Already volunteering, she welcomes people to join her efforts. She currently works for not only the Marion-Polk Food Share, but the American Red Cross, and has started a project called “Back-Packs-to-Bolivia” with her group from the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC). This Christmas, Western Mennonite School will be sending over 30 backpacks full of school supplies, household items, and toys to children in Bolivia.

With her message of hope and an answer to the community’s hunger concerns, Chae promotes involvement. “It’s simple: if people really want to help, give.”

WHERE TO GIVE

The following are different opportunities for you to get involved in the local and global community:

Marion-Polk Food Share

- Donate money
- Donate food
- Volunteer at the donation center
More information and a “10 Most Wanted Food” list of items needed during the holidays available at www.marionpolkfoodshare.org.

American Red Cross

- Volunteer at the West Salem office
- Give blood
More information available at www.redcross-salem.org.

Back-Packs-to-Bolivia

- Donate items (school supplies, household items, children’s toys)
More information available by calling (503) 363-2000.

LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS?

Western Mennonite high school students take classes that require volunteer hours in the community. While students have the choice of where they serve, the school invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to contact them with any needs or ideas that students could pursue.

Call (503) 363-2000 or email dorai@westernmennoniteschool.org.

Western Mennonite School is located 7 miles north of West Salem and equips students for a life of faith and learning. Offering middle school and high school, the school emphasizes the importance of service and incorporates learning experiences around this value. For more information about WMS go to www.westernmennoniteschool.org.