Amanda Smith, National American Miss Oregon National Finalist, spent her time over the summer to help at a division of her church called St. Vincent de Paul. This organization gives food to people who are not able to support their family with food. They collect donations from other organizations and the parish community. At this great food pantry Amanda got the blessings of being able to sort out the food in the pantry and to deliver it to the homes in need. This was a great experience for her to learn how to stock food, as she would need to in a store, and she also got to meet some people who needed her help. Amanda discovered what the needs of the poor are in her own community. She loved being able to see how she was helping this community. One of her experiences delivering food was whensheI went to a single mother’s house; this woman had just gotten through a very tough day. Her daughter was almost kidnapped the day before by a man who she didn’t even know, and this man got away. She was very shaken up and Amanda and others had to go cautiously and yell through the door who they were and why they were there. It was a very awakening experience, and its one Amanda knows she will never forget it. Through this experience Amanda solidified her Gold Award idea for Girl Scouts. She is currently working on making a community garden for her high school so that families can come and get fresh foods for their families. Portions of the community garden will be donated to the local St Vincent de Paul food pantry so families getting food boxes will have fresh produce to enjoy.