By Kiera Morgan

The Seashore Family Literacy Center is growing in more ways than one this summer. The board approved the purchase of the old middle school cafeteria and gym. This has been transformed into the Shelter Me building. Sentilia McKinley has been working with students this summer to provide mentorship and fun. Devontae Otness is going to be a senior this year at Waldport High. With encouragement from his family and Sentilia he has been working at the Shelter Me building in the morning and afternoon’s to help serve food to those in need through the USDA food program for kids 18 and under.

Also working the food service program this summer is Jonah Land, he will be a junior at the high school. He works in the kitchen as a prep cook and also helps with busing and clean up. He said he enjoys working with the kids and making the food from scratch such as biscuits and gravy or chicken and vegetables for lunch. They serve a fresh breakfast in the morning from 9-9:30 and then the kids have an opportunity to join in some fun and educational activities.Lunch is served from 12-12:30.

Devontae also works in the Shelter Me community garden, called the Joy Garden. He has helped with harvesting the fruits and vegetables, which are used to make the meals for the summer program and has helped to install the pathways around the garden. Johah said the program has helped him to learn some new skills and has brought about more awareness of the increase in need within his community. Both students will be able to use their experiences for college résumé building. Those interested in receiving a meal are welcome to come by the Shelter me building Monday through Friday this summer. To make a donation or to learn more go online to www.seashorefamily.org.