Domestic violence victims adopted by youth

Photo courtesy of John Leonardi

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The St. James youth group formed in September of 2007 and by December were already dedicated to raising funds and helping two families celebrate Christmas.

OGDEN — The St. James Parish youth group in Ogden formed in September 2007, with only 11 members, but they are already doing service projects.

"They wanted to make a difference for families who might otherwise not have much of a Christmas," said John Leonardi, St. James Parish youth minister. "They contacted Your Community Connection (YCC), a local Ogden charity that shelters women and children from domestic violence, and asked if they could adopt two families for Christmas."

Leonardi said the youth group is small but determined, and St. James Parish supported them all the way in their endeavor. The youth group drew models of their adopted families and displayed them, and asked the parish to help them clothe their new friends.

The youth group held a bake sale to raise funds for items they did not get so they could go shopping. They purchased clothing, coats, boots, toys, and Christmas gift wishes for both families. They shopped for food for each family and were able to buy electronic equipment that is difficult to have donated, and they were able to present a final check to YCC so they could purchase last minute necessities.

"This was really a moving experience for the youth group," said Karen Leonardi, St. James youth minister. "The youth group really worked hard and were dedicated to making a difference."