As many groups of youths and adults spend part of their summers, and even other seasons in some cases, traveling to other areas of the United States and outside the country to help serve others, there is a large number staying behind and helping those here in our area.

This week youths and their supervising adults with the Surry Baptist Association are rolling up their sleeves and getting down to the nitty-gritty to help organizations and people in their own community during SBA’s Youth Missions Week.

These teens, as well as other volunteers who take time out of their schedule year-round, are a great example of what people can do to help their neighbors without ever leaving Surry County.

During the course of the week, in addition to giving back to their own communities, these teens are learning leadership skills, sacrifice and other character traits they will be able to carry with them through life.

Others in the community should take heed to what these youths are doing and follow their example. Giving back doesn’t mean setting aside a whole week at a time each year to help, it can mean just giving back an hour a week or even an hour a month if that’s all a person can spare.

We want to encourage people in the community to step up to the plate and follow the lead of those participating in Youth Missions Week by volunteering in your own communities. More than likely you will reap just as many benefits if not more than the people you are helping.