Service for a juvenile smile

If you’re looking for the real meaning of the season — some might go so far as to say the meaning of life — a 14-year-old gave you a hint on Thanksgiving Day.

Cameron Bounds, joined by several other teens in the Family Support Court program, served a Thanksgiving feast to people who are homeless, lonely and in some cases, battling a hopelessness that most of us will never feel.

Cameron and the others didn’t sign up for service at St. Vincent de Paul through their church or Scouting. They reached the Thanksgiving Day goal line by getting into trouble first.

The name of the game is service. It’s getting outside yourself and helping others, because no matter how bad you think it might be for you, it won’t take long to find someone else who’s got it worse.

“…When they come here it really helps put life into perspective for them,” said Heather Eddy, who manages the St. Vincent help center and kitchen.

According to Press reporter Ryan Collingwood, Cameron and the other teens had a blast. They were cheerful, pleasant and showed real eagerness to help. While most of us were in our happy homes with friends and families feasting away, Cameron & Co. were working hard — and probably came away feeling better than most of us did.

In Cameron’s case, the Family Support Court program, with a boost from good-hearted parents, is making a very positive difference. Gone are the days of criminal activity and low self-esteem. Cameron reported making good grades and helping his parents.

“It feels good to help out,” he told Collingwood. “Two years ago I wouldn’t have done anything like this. I was an angry kid.”

Even kids who aren’t angry or in trouble can learn from Cameron. While it might feel good to sign a social media petition or even pitch in $5 for a cause somewhere around the world, there is nothing like getting off the couch and out of your comfort zone to personally help others. That kind of effort, interacting human being to human being, isn’t just a prescription to help them; it’s an astonishing and maybe even miraculous way to help yourself.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” — John Bunyan

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” — Charles Dickens