In the July 09 issue of Steps to Hopes quarterly newsletter, Hope Works!, meal contributions for the Hope for Youth boys group were requested.

After a long day at school, it is important to keep the boys well nourished during their weekly skills building meeting and hour of strength and endurance training at Tryon Fitness Club.

The Johnson family, who moved from Hickory to Tryon about a year ago, was quick to volunteer. Jenny Johnson and daughters Anna, Ellie and Grace (ages 7, 6 and 2 respectively) offered to make one meal a month, and have since treated the boys to three home-made meals.

Anna and Ellie chopped vegetables (electing to let their mom dice the onions), cooked ground beef, sausage and pasta, and helped prepare garlic bread for their sloppy joe and pasta meals.

Sister Grace is a bit too young to help out just yet, claim Anna and Ellie, but loves to watch.

When Jenny isnt home-schooling her daughters, she knits, gardens, and paints with her children.

In addition to family camping and swimming trips with dad Kyle, Anna and Ellie say they love to sing in the church choir, take tennis lessons (their first tournament was on September 26), and cook.

Larkins Carolina Grill, Mike Bowers, Rick Otto, Larry Wassong, Pat Sutphin, Lynn Kirkwood, Elaine Belk and Helen Gilbert also contributed meals to the program.

Steps to HOPE says many in the community continue to support their many programs.