Abby Finke, North Dakota’s Youth Leadership Council delegate, smashed her goal of collecting 50 pairs of shoes to benefit the Matthew 25 Project in Minot, which provides clothing and household donations to local community members. In August and September, Finke collected nearly 160 pairs of shoes.
Finke represented Verendrye Electric Cooperative (VEC) on the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C., this summer and was chosen to represent North Dakota on the Youth Leadership Council (YLC).
As YLC members, representing each of the 45 states participating in the Youth Tour, delegates are tasked with carrying out community service projects in partnership with their local electric cooperative.
Finke plastered her local area with fliers and collection bins at schools, churches and VEC’s offices in Minot and Velva.
“With her service project, Abby experienced firsthand electric cooperatives’ commitment to community. She did an outstanding job of demonstrating service to others and youth leadership in action!” says Pamela Clark-Stein, director of education and member services for the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, which coordinates the annual Youth Tour in conjunction with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
“My biggest takeaway is how important it is to be intentional about helping others,” Finke says. “Occasionally, I wonder if I ever would have noticed the need some children have for shoes if it wasn’t for this service project. Looking around with this new perspective, I can now see many opportunities where I can help others.”
Abby is the daughter of Todd and Kelly Finke, VEC members from Berthold.
