Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading, in association with VoiceUp Berks, held its annual Global Youth Service Day in Reading’s City Park. Volunteers of all ages participated in service projects throughout the park, and at 11th & Washington Streets.
The Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading partnered with Reading Public Works Department, Berks County Monument Preservation Fund and Reading Beautification, Inc. for the fourth consecutive year to organize service projects in City Park.
Volunteers from various organizations joined together at the park for general park clean-up, flower planting, mulching, and painting. In addition to clean up efforts, YVC also held a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and hosted several educational tables to engage the public on recycling and composting.
Over 200 youth volunteers served in City Park throughout the day. According to Youth Volunteer Corps, select volunteers will be recognized for their service hours in the community from this, and other events.
“Our youth make such an impact on our community throughout the year, so it’s exciting seeing them serve as part of this global movement,” said Lindsay Sites, program director of YVC of Reading. “Youth can make such a difference in their communities when they serve together.”
Crystal Gilmore-Harris, head cheerleading coach for Reading High School, lead her students in the flower planting and mulching effort near the Reading Police Memorial. “In the midst of all of this the girls are learning teamwork, creativity, and team bonding.”
To show off their school spirit, the cheerleading squad planted a large letter R out of flowers. “Their learning responsibility in their own community. You have to teach them to give back, so they can teach the next generation, and sooner or later we’ll get Reading to turn around to what it used to be” said Gilmore-Harris.
