BLAKELY, Ga. (WALB) - The government shutdown is causing uncertainty for SNAP benefits, impacting not only South Georgia families but also people in the community who live on fixed or reduced incomes, such as senior citizens.

A group of young men in South Georgia found a way to step up and give back through “Mission Feed the Elderly” in Blakely.

Destined 4 Gr8tness Mentor Program includes 22 young men, ages 7 to 15. They delivered nearly 24 warm Thanksgiving meals to the elderly in the community, which organizers say was timely with what is going on.

“Kids learn best from other kids. Kids at that age, from 7 to 15, seem to follow what the trend is. So if they see other kids doing great things or good things in the community, they will want to join aboard and do the same thing,” Deshaun Anthony, Destined 4 Gr8tness founder and mentor.

Anthony says he and his team work with the young men monthly, teaching them life skills such as yard work, assisting at the local farmers market and discussing the importance of decision-making in order to help these guys prepare for the future. Additionally, they have guest speakers and food for the young men at every meeting.

All donations to Destined 4 Gr8tness are put back into the community through service projects.

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