BALTIMORE — “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”
— Mary McLeod Bethune
The Sharing and Caring Committee at John Wesley United Methodist Church located at 3202 West North Avenue in Baltimore promotes higher education by awarding students with perfect attendance, averages of B+ or higher in reading, language or mathematics and improved social/emotional behavior.
On Saturday, December 20, 2014, students who qualified for awards received a new bike and other prizes as a reward for their academic success. The church also gave coats, hats and gloves to children in need.
Doris McQuaige Duncan has been spearheading the campaign for well over 30 years following in the footsteps of the legendary Mary McLeod Bethune.
“I am very big on education. This is something we do yearly to help promote the importance of learning. To be a part of this, [the students] have to meet the goal of a B+ or better. We work with the schools in our area, as well as the parents, so we get a report on what children are doing. [They] don’t have to be from our church to participate. This is for the community. We don’t turn any child down.”
The event also featured a magic show, Santa and performances. John Wesley United Methodist Church encourages the community to visit their website: www.jwumc.org to see the many services offered including Community Outreach Feeding, GED classes, and many more activities and events.