Hands of Change is a middle and high school youth service group that meets every Wednesday afternoon while Polk County schools are in session. This ecumenical youth group, designed for youth 6 -12 grade focuses on helping others. They have worked many places in the region and have found the joys of serving others.
Polk County Ag. Center at Mill Springs School, Pacolet Nature Conservancy, Harmon Field, FENCE, Pearson Falls, Autumn Care Assisted Living Center, White Oak Assisted Living Center, Ridgerest Assisted Living Center, Polk County Red Cross and Hospice House Thrift Barn are just a few of the places the group has volunteered. Youth are picked up at the high school and the middle school, given a snack and then transported to a service site. Parents pick up their youth at 6 p.m. at the Congregational Church, which is located at 210 Melrose Ave. in Tryon.
Each week the group serves a different site, then during spring break goes to a major city for a few days of educational, service and fun. Past trips have included Charleston S.C., Washington DC and Atlanta Ga.
Hands of Change is sponsored by the Congregational Church. Snacks and outings are made possible through fundraisers and donations to the program. For more information, check out their Facebook page “Hands of Change” or contact Lance Smith at the Congregational Church. This program is open to the entire foothills region. Call 828-859-9414 today and find out how to be part of the joy of helping others.

— article submitted
by Lance Smith