YMCA Branches across Chester County will perform community service on January 16th
The legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one not just of inspiration, enlightenment and action, but also of a lifetime of service to others.
YMCA branches locally will once again mark the holiday by working within their walls and throughout their communities on a variety of projects designed to share the core values of the Y.
“At the Y, we know communities are stronger when we share our time and talent,” said Denise L. Day, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “Social responsibility is a leading aspect of our mission, and our staff and members are focused on making Chester County better from our corner of the world. This holiday spotlights the kind of spirit we bring to our work, on this day and every day.”
There are projects designed for every age and ability. And you don’t have to be a member of the Y to get involved in any number of projects that are as diverse as the branches themselves, though you will need valid photo ID.
For instance, volunteers from St. Paul Baptist Church will read for children in the childcare, kindergarten and before- and after-care programs. Meanwhile, children in the branch’s Child Watch that day will create cards for the Chester County Hospice Center and Coatesville VA Medical Center.
This will mark the first year the branch’s teen group, made up of youth ages 12-15, will volunteer outside the branch, splitting up between the Chester County Food Bank and St. Agnes Day Room.
“The teen group is really excited to get out into the community. This is the first year they’ll be able to do this,” said Guillermina “Gigi” Rios, human resources coordinator at the Oscar Lasko branch. “There’s so much the community has done for the Y, and the teen group is so thankful for everything everyone has done for them.”
Meanwhile, the West Chester Area Y will host volunteers making fleece blankets and pillows. The branch also will collect new and gently used books, all of which will be donated, said Amy White, senior direct for youth development at the West Chester Area Y.
For details on these and opportunities at other Y branches, click here.
