Events

Teach Your Child the Importance of Volunteerism

Looking for ways for your child to become more involved in the community? Does your child have an idea for a volunteer project for their schools, church, or neighborhood? Do you want to volunteer together alongside your children? Then you and you children should sign up and participate in 22nd Annual Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), Friday, April 23 through Sunday, April 25, 2010. United Way of Tri-County was selected as a Lead Agency for GYSD 2010. Our goal is to engage over 800 youth and adults in volunteer services during the month of April leading up to our GYSD projects.

For more information about local events or to get involved, please contact The United Way of Tri-County at 508-872-3291 x4858.

GYSD is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, GYSD is the largest service event in the world and is now celebrated in over 100 countries. On GYSD, children and youth address the world’s most critical issues in partnership with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, businesses, and governments.

“We are very excited to be chosen as a Lead Agency and give youth in our communities the ability to take part in a global movement and serve their community. We hope that youth involved in these volunteer projects will give them the experience and knowledge to do more projects and service in their community” stated Robyn McLaughlin United Way of Tri-County Coordinator.

Our plan involves partnering with our local schools, after school programs, youth organizations, social service organizations, businesses, and community partners to coordinate projects related to our four focus areas of Education, Income, Health, and Basic Needs in each of our communities. Projects may include book drives, reading to children, supporting community gardens, walking teams, support for local food banks, maintaining public lands, connecting with veterans, preparing the community for disasters, and additional projects that youth determine and lead on their own. These projects will take place the weeks leading up to GYSD. During GYSD we will have larger community projects happening including community clean ups, food drives, shelter collection drive, and much more. To close and recognize our accomplishments for GYSD 2010, Sunday will be considered Live United Day. Live United Day will be a celebration for all of the community members that volunteered during GYSD. Live United Day will show each participant how every member in our community can help out, lend a hand, and Live United.

GYSD is coordinated by Youth Service America. State Farm Companies Foundation is the U.S. Presenting Sponsor.

To learn more about the GYSD projects occurring around the world, to register your own GYSD project, or to find project planning resources, visit www.GYSD.org.