A Polk County church is taking its mission trip in a different direction this summer.
Some of the young members at All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland are part of the church's Summer Mission Work Program. And they are not going far to participate.
As part of the program, the church members are staying in their community and helping the needy by mowing lawns, cleaning homes and cooking meals.
The young church members, ages 11-18, also were able to help a member of their own congregation who is battling cancer and raising an adopted child.
Church member Isabel Morrell said the program is just as rewarding for those doing the giving.
"It’s just really fulfilling to see all the work that we’ve done and how appreciative the people that we’ve done it for," Morrell said. "And it’s just nice to know that there are still people who would like to work for other people in this world."
About two dozen students students have been involved, along with some adult church members.
All Saints Episcopal officials started the mission program six years ago because the tough economy prevented members from taking a trip out of the area.
So each night this week after volunteer work all day, the young members return to the church on Massachusetts Avenue for a program and a sleepover. Then they wake up and do it all over again.
Church leaders also said they have reached out to different organizations in the area to see who needed help in the community.
The children also have cleaned area lakes and delivered sweets to area police officers.