Students plan 12-hour hunger strike

DOWNEY - A group of Downey and Warren High School students, along with their families, will hold a 12-hour hunger strike at the Light & Life Christian Church of Downey beginning Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m."The strike is not intended to be a protest but rather an effort to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness in the Downey community," said Alex Gaytan, a member of the Downey Kiwanis Club. "The purpose of the event is to educate students on the hunger problems that exist around the world and here at home." Students will fast for 12 hours and make homes out of cardboard boxes to experience what it feels like to go to bed hungry and without shelter. The event will be held in the church parking lot and will be well-attended by members of the Downey Kiwanis clubs and members of the Light & Life Christian Church, said Gaytan. A documentary and movie about the hunger epidemic will be screened to students. The event will conclude with a pancake breakfast. Admission to the event is $10 for students, and $15 for adults. All participants are asked to bring two non-perishable food items. Money raised will go to Stop Hunger Now to support school feeding programs in Haiti. The food items will be donated to the Downey PTA HELPS room and Los Angeles Regional food bank. Attendees are also encouraged to donate travel size hygiene kits to donate to TLC. For more information, call Alex Gaytan (562) 396-6042.

********** Published: March 28, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 50