SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — For nearly three decades, a local church located across the street from Parkview High School has opened its doors every Wednesday morning to serve high school students a hot, free meal before the first bell rings.
What began in 1999 as a simple gathering offering orange juice and donuts has expanded into a massive weekly community tradition, now serving more than 150 teenagers every single week at Parkview Christian Church.
“27 years ago we had some kids that were on our campus… the youth minister and the minister decided they wanted to buy donuts for the kids,” said Dr. Brian Ingalls, Lead Minister at Parkview Christian Church. “Because you got two choices: you can run them off your property, or you can welcome them and get to know them.”…