Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month
At a time when we all felt more isolated than ever, at a time when it would be so easy to turn inward, YouthCare’s compassionate team of volunteers turned outward and stepped up for youth and staff at YouthCare in meaningful ways. We are so appreciative of each and every single person who volunteers at YouthCare. Thank you!
In 2020, over 400 individuals donated over 3,060 hours of time in support of YouthCare programs. To date this year, over 170 volunteers have donated over 1,700 hours of time…and counting!
Day after day, our long-time volunteers continue to show up for youth, even if that means in new socially distanced ways. We are delighted to share more about how our community of volunteers showed up for our youth over the past year.
KEEPING YOUTH SAFE & WARM: MASKS AND BLANKETS
In the early days of the pandemic, our supporters sprang into action by sewing masks at home to help keep our youth and staff safe. They were committed to making sure we all had the protective gear we needed. The colorful and fun patterns helped keep our spirits up through tough times. During a year where we all spent more time indoors, homemade fleece blankets kept our young people feeling safe and warm at YouthCare.
KEEPING YOUTH HEALTHY & WHOLE: MEAL DELIVERY
A warm meal can mean so much, especially in times of uncertainty and anxiety. Although social distancing measures continue to limit our capacity for volunteers to cook on-site, volunteers regularly delivered meals to YouthCare programs. Our community members would prepare homemade meals with care and drop them off at our programs (no-contact, of course).
Thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, YouthCare has been able to continue serving nutritious meals to youth each night. Volunteers like Kate and her 8-year-old son Noah, who cook together at home and then deliver a monthly meal to YouthCare’s Catalyst at Straley House.
“My son and I started preparing meals for YouthCare this year because there is something about preparing a meal for someone that allows you to share love and kindness in a deeper way. And… we have so much fun coming up with meal ideas, planning cooking, and even getting our friends to pitch in. Its an honor to nourish and to be nourished in this way, and we are grateful to YouthCare for the opportunity.” – Kate Levin, Volunteer
In addition to individuals, families, and friends, YouthCare had incredible meal delivery support from our community partners. Shout out to Super Six, Gourmondo, Feed Co. Burgers, Salare, FareStart, Food Lifeline, and Expedia Group for supporting YouthCare with regular food and meal donations!
KEEPING YOUTH CELEBRATING: HOLIDAYS & MORE
The holidays can be a difficult time for the young people we work with, but our volunteers made sure there was always a celebration to look forward to. Some highlights include…
Volunteers like the National Charity League made sure youth know they are cared for by making home baked goods and writing sweet Valentines for our young people.
Community members like Barb Loners helped purchase pumpkins for carving during Halloween and the 5th Ave Theater donated costumes was a special “treat” for our young people.
Thanks to our community of volunteers and supporters, we were able to make the season special and fulfilled more than 300 individual youth wishes!
Longtime volunteer Margaret Staples brought her community together to make holiday stockings full of gifts and treats and a delicious Christmas day lunch for our UDYC program.
YouthCare’s volunteers make a difference every day. We are grateful for their care and hard work.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS VOLUNTEERS!
To learn more about the volunteers opportunities, click here or reach us at volunteer@youthcare.org.