Lincoln Park Teen Combats Child Hunger in Community

Lincoln Park, MI, June 16, 2017 --(PR.com)-- According to the Food Research and Action Center, only about 15 percent of kids who eat free or reduced-price school meals also receive meals during the summer. That means that about 16 million students who rely on the meals during the school year do not have access to them when school is out.

A 15-year-old Lincoln Park teen has decided to combat the issue of child hunger starting with those living right here in his own community.

Dillon Marshall is hosting a cereal drive on behalf of Mimi’s Mission, a local nonprofit organization, as a benefit for kids in the Downriver area.

Founder of Mimi’s Mission, Lisa Vilella, recently implemented a new support group program called Puzzle Parents designed to assist children with autism and their families.

Marshall, who is on the autistic spectrum, has attended the meetings since February with his mother Sheri Alley.

Most recently, Alley said, Vilella asked her son if he wanted to help the organization with a service project.

“We support Puzzle kids in their efforts to help Downriver families in need,” said Vilella.

Alley describes her son as “thoughtful… kind… and always thinking about others.”

“So, he immediately said yes,” said Alley. “If he sees someone who doesn’t have something, he will do anything he can to make it happen for them.”

The cereal drive collection is running through the month of June. Donations can be dropped off at 1335 Richmond Ave., Lincoln Park or 20050 Vreeland Rd., Woodhaven.

The Puzzle Parents group meets on the first and third Monday of each month from 6-8 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church, 2803 1st Street, Wyandotte.

For more information, visit www.mimismission.org or www.Facebook.com/PuzzleParentsDR.