JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- Volunteer hours and service projects are mandatory for students at many schools. And educators will tell you that type of program is a great way to get kids involved in their communities. But how many young people would choose to give of their time to help others if it were not required, just because they saw a need?

"We are seeing more youth wanting to help out, and I enjoy that," said Kathleen Belskey of Saturday's Kitchen, a nonprofit group of churches that provides weekend meals at the Family Kitchen in Johnstown. "It's nice to see the adults and parents take over, but when the younger people step up themselves to help, it is definitely a blessing for those in need in the area."

A blessing indeed. Cody Belle, 16, a junior at Johnstown Christian School, started serving lunch at the Family Kitchen over the summer, not to earn a grade or merit badge, but because he wanted to feed the hungry. What Cody witnessed touched his heart and inspired him to do more. "I knew there was a soup kitchen down there, but I didn't realize how many people were dependent on that for food every day," he said.

Cody approached the Five Guys restaurant in Richland Township about helping with a fundraiser to benefit the soup kitchen. The company regularly works with schools and other community groups to raise money for various causes by donating 15 percent of all sales generated during a three-hour fundraising time slot. With Cody spearheading the effort and garnering support from school, church and family, he raised nearly $1,400 for Saturday's Kitchen.

"I'm sure a lot of people don't realize how many people are starving in Johnstown. And for such a young person wanting to be so involved and wanting to do so much for these people, it's just unbelievable," said Sandy Devine, assistant manager, Five Guys.

What is just as incredible to many who know Cody is how someone so shy and reserved forged ahead with all of this on his own. Asked if her son's project surprised her, Cody's mom Carol Belle responded, "In a way, yes, because he is so quiet. But we've always encouraged Cody to think big, to set goals and not to be dependent upon what he thinks his limitations are, but to be dependent upon God."

And somewhere between home, school and church, Cody has truly begun to live the Christian values Cody he has learned. "We express our devotion, our love for God by how much compassion we show for others. And Cody is exemplifying that," said Dr. Kathy Keafer, administrator of Johnstown Christian School.

The Family Kitchen, which is operated by St. Vincent de Paul, serves a noon meal seven days a week, 365 days a year. Belskey said it costs anywhere from $200 to $250 a day to run the kitchen, and the majority of funding comes from donations.