A new group of caring Christians has formed in Fountain Hills known as SWATT – “Servants with a Task and Testimony.”

Its number one goal is to help local residents. Members first project is making sure Fountain Hills students have enough food.

“We are working with the local schools and the school nurse to find the best way to handle this,” said Terri Schmidt, one of the organizers.

“We’ve discovered there are many kids in town who don’t get breakfast for various reasons, not enough food or just poor timing.

“They might not have anything for lunch or their families might not have enough food for the weekends.”

SWATT has come up with a temporary solution by asking local churches to collect specific food donations.

So far the churches that have volunteered to collect items are the Anglican Church of Atonement, Church of the Ascension, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, The Fountains Methodist Church and the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church.

“We have already put out pleas of help for different mission projects from some of the churches,” said Susan Owens, another organizer.

“This group has decided to come together to help each other as well as their own churches and the people of Fountain Hills.”

For example, Shepherd of the Hills is going to have someone come in and teach people how to be “Clowns for Christ.”

The clowns go to hospitals and convalescent homes to spread cheer and hope.

The group also is seeking residents who may want to “walk for the homeless” on Sept. 28.

“We have come to the conclusion that we can do more good as a group than as individuals,” Schmidt said.

“The group also discussed what places in town where there is help available. We talked of ideas of how to get the people out to help. We also talked of how we can help the local Extended Hands Food Bank.

“So you can see we are off to a good start – and with God leading our hearts we hope to be able to help many.”

If anyone is interested in joining and helping the less fortunate of Fountain Hills, the SWATT group will meet again Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at Phil’s Filling Station Grill on Parkview Avenue.

Contact Schmidt at (480) 201-8971 or Owens at 836-2390 to let them know one is attending or to find out more about SWATT.