Local Registration Now Open For Global Youth Service Day

The following article originally appeared on the Youth Service America blog.

Global Youth Service Day: How Can You Help?
By Gabrielle and Aiden Levy

Global Youth Service Day is when kids are open to many volunteer opportunities.  It is organized by Youth Service America. This year Global Youth Service Day falls on April 20-22. 

Aiden, age 6 wants everyone to know, “As a kid volunteering, you cannot always help a lot of people, since they think kids cannot volunteer.  But they can and I am one of the kids.  You feel sad because a lot of people don’t want you to help them.” 

That is not true on Global Youth Service Day where kids and their families can participate in many events. It is important for kids because it is helping them get out and volunteer in a fun way. You even get to pick what is best for you and your family.

One of the organizations coordinating events for Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is Volunteer Fairfax. They hope to get over 700 people to volunteer at activities like neighborhood clean ups, work at senior centers, making compost bins, and a (formerly called Orphan Foundation of America).

When you participate in a neighborhood clean up, you can help the environment by getting rid of trash. You can also do this with your family all year round.

Going to the Senior Centers, you can make people’s day by visiting the people there. You can put a smile on their face by spending time with them.

Another project is putting dirt in compost bins that were made on the . There are also many other projects at the local parks.

The packing event with Foster Care to Success can bring your family together, packing boxes with many different things.

Elaine Lydick, from Volunteer Fairfax said, “We hope kids and youth who participate in GYSD will have a fun and rewarding volunteer experience.  Introducing people to volunteering at a young age increases the likelihood they will continue volunteering in the future. Since we have a variety of different projects, there is a project for everyone and encourage all youth to participate in this great day of service!”

These are just a few of the many projects that are in our local community. Visit the Global Your Service Day Map and find the project that is right for you and your family.

Get involved with Youth Service America and sign up for a Global Youth Service Day activity in your community today! Thumbs up to everyone that volunteers and makes a difference!