SHELBY — The Shelby YMCA Teen Leaders Club is taking action to help make a difference in their community.
Club members delivered essential baskets Monday to JAG Healthcare, a nursing and long-term care facility in Shelby.
The baskets included items such as shampoo, shaving cream, lotion and hair brushes.
Alex Slone, Teen Leaders Club vice president, said the group hosted a bake sale in order to raise funds and stock the baskets.
“We brainstormed ideas that we could do for the community,” Slone said, adding the conversation led to the bake sale.
Michele Irey, lead program assistant at the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Shelby branch, said she was impressed with club members’ initiative to host their first fundraiser.
“The kids did an amazing job with the bake sale,” she said. “They ran it all on their own and did all the work, like it was nothing.”
Creating friendships, serving the community
Teen Leaders Club is a year-long leadership development and community service program providing local teens with leadership training and volunteer opportunities, which support YMCA programs and community services.
Furthermore, program advisors share insights about YMCA efforts to help strengthen the community, hoping to inspire and prepare club members for future leadership within the nonprofit organization.
Slone said one of his favorites aspects of the program is meeting new people.
Several club members echoed similar sentiments, adding they enjoy giving back to the community and helping out around the YMCA.
Irey said Teen Leaders Club offers a welcoming and safe environment, where everybody’s opinions and concerns will be heard.
Makenna Burkhart, club president, said the club provides members with a fun experience.
“No one judges anyone and we get along,” Burkhart said. “Sometimes we do fun activities to get to know each other more.”
Registration for the program is open throughout the school year, allowing new members to join at anytime.
“It doesn’t matter if you join or not. But if you do join, you’ll do great things for the community. The more people the better,” Slone said.
How to join Teen Leaders Club
Interested teens in grades 6-12 can register online or visit the Shelby branch at 111 W. Smiley Road.
A YMCA membership is not required to participate. Registration includes a $30 yearly fee, which comes with a Teen Leaders Club shirt. Financial assistance is available for those interested.
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For more information about Teen Leaders Club, visit the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Shelby branch online.
Those interested may also contact Program and Aquatics Director Stephanie Faulkner, as well as Lead Program Assistant Michele Irey by calling 419-347-1312.