Agency:  Center For Family Life And Recovery

Volunteer Projects:  America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk, International Night, Drug Quiz Show, Multiple Sclerosis Walk, Intergenerational Spring and Fall Clean-Ups, Pancake Breakfast, American Cancer Walk

Summary:  Youth volunteers raised money and participated Saturday March 5, 2011 in Utica’s version of America’s Greatest Heart Run and Walk. While at the event, the youth volunteers took advantage of the Health Expo and learned about heart disease, its impact, its treatment and ways one can reduce the incidence of heart disease by living a healthy lifestyle. The youth volunteers felt proud to give back to their community and be part of this successful annual event.

Thursday March 10, 2011, youth volunteers volunteered their time making posters, cooking ethnic foods and working the African American booth during the International Night at JFK Middle School in Utica. The International Night’s goal is to educate people regarding diversity in our schools. The youth volunteers also volunteered their time on Thursday March 17, 2011 at Proctor High School’s International Night.

During the month of March, youth volunteers prepared for the many job duties associated with putting on the Drug Quiz Show. On Tuesday March 15, 2011, the volunteers acted as timekeepers and participants in the Drug Quiz Show competition aimed at educating people about the consequences associated with drug addiction.

Youth volunteers raised money and walked Sunday April 10, 2011 in the Multiple Sclerosis Walk for research at Sangertown Mall in New Hartford.

In April and October of 2011, youth volunteers performed general yard clean-up duties; raking and bagging leaves, sweeping driveways, porches and sidewalks and brought light refuse to the curb for pickup, when they participated in the Oneida County Youth Bureau and the Oneida County Office for the Aging and Continuing Care’s Intergenerational Spring and Fall Clean-Ups. The event has youth volunteers clean the yards of senior citizens who physically can’t do the work themselves or can’t financially afford to have the work done for them.

On Sunday June 5, 2011 youth volunteers sold tickets, served breakfast and cleaned up afterward at a fundraiser for the Young Scholars Program at Applebee’s in North Utica.

Youth volunteers raised money and walked in the American Cancer Walk Sunday October 16, 2011.