ROCKLAND —  Friday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Feb. 28, seven area high school youth fasted on behalf of the Rockland District Nursing Association (RDNA) for 20-hours, "going without so that others may be served." This fifth annual youth fast begins the 2015 Mercy March in memory of RDNA's founding nurse, Eliza Steele, RN, during which area youth raise funds and awareness for RDNA.

The youth fasters and fellow ambassadors invite the community to join them in supporting RDNA and the nursing services provided to nearly 300 predominantly elderly residents living independently in Warren, Union, South Thomaston, Owls Head, St. George, Cushing, Thomaston and Rockland.

During the fast, fasters were invited to swim at the Samoset, participated in experiential workshops on disability and aging, brought a touch of spring to the Rockland Public library with "snow flowers," fundraised at area businesses, and visited with residents at the Knox Center for Long Term Care and the Methodist Conference Home.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Eliza Steele's parish, welcomed fasters and friends for the traditional celebratory fast-breaking supper. Each year, Thomaston Baptist Church hosts the Mercy March and Youth Fast. "We count it a privilege to participate in this community event, bringing residents of all ages together to help care for one another," said Reverend Wayne Sawyer, pastor Thomaston Baptist Church, in a news release.

Reviving the RDNA "Mercy Marches" of the 1960s, through the month of March, the youth will speak at Rockland Kiwanis, six area churches, and on WRFR. "The future of RDNA, and other small, local nonprofits, is brighter because of the commitment and kindness these young people keep showing," said RDNA Agency Director, Peta vanVuuren, in the news release.

Saturday, March 7, the South Thomaston People's United Methodist Church will host a pancake breakfast, with their youth in the kitchen. Owls Head Baptist Church remembers Margaret Torfason, RN, Eliza Steele's colleague and successor, and residents in RDNA's service area collect bottles in support of these youth's efforts.

For the past 86 years, RDNA has continuously served as a link in the community safety net, focusing on neighbors in need of care, and sustained through the generosity of the region.

RDNA does not receive MaineCare/Medicare or insurance reimbursements, with the majority of the annual operating costs covered by gifts and contributions. RDNA is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, call the RDNA office (594.4522) and join RDNA on Facebook.