Although they may not share the same faith, this group of students is very alike when it comes to serving others. Students from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy, The Islamic School of Greater Kansas City, Rockhurst High School and Notre Dame de Sion High School for Girls are part of an interfaith youth group that recently volunteered at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

The students and their adult leaders sorted large bins of food at Hope Distribution Center for delivery to Catholic Charities’ eight pantries. In addition, they helped out at the new TurnStyles Thrift store, sorting and hanging clothes.

This is only the second year for the local interfaith youth group, which is modeled after the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), an organization that partners with colleges and universities to turn religious diversity into a positive force. Like the IFYC, the local group chose to use service as a way to unite the students.

“It’s a terrific group of both students and leaders!” added Penny Selle, Mission Director, Notre Dame de Sion High School. “In addition to the service projects, the students elected to visit each other’s schools to learn more about worship, classes and the school’s environment.”