What a wonderful event we had up here in the Harbor Highlands community last Friday evening, April 26. The sun was shining, the kids were all enjoying outdoor activities supplied by Duluth Parks and Recreation, and the smell of fresh baked bread filled the community center. We had visitors from Valley Youth Center, Neighborhood Youth Services, Congdon Elementary School, and of course the youth and staff from the Little Y. All of the kids and staff were in great spirits and wore smiling faces as we came together to celebrate the diligent service they provided for their communities in completing their Global Youth Service Day projects throughout the month.
Once everyone arrived and got settled in, the TNAC members and the youth at their sites presented their projects. Valley Youth Center opened the floor with their project of putting together self care bags to give out to community members. These bags had various items that people need to stay healthy and clean.
The next group was Neighborhood Youth Services. This group did a few park and beach clean-ups at different areas in Duluth. In leading up to their project, they took a field trip to WLSSD to learn how garbage was processed, and also the Great Lakes Aquarium to learn about the impact pollution has on our local water shed.
Next up was the group from Congdon Elementary and KEY Zone. This group raised $600 for Animal Allies through hosting a bake sale at their site. The event was sponsored by KEY Zone, Duluth YMCA.
The Little Y presented last, sharing their project on picking up the Harbor Highlands Neighborhood and planting the community garden. They completed a community garbage clean up a few weeks back and got a lot of recognition from the residents of Harbor Highlands, YMCA Community Services Branch and the community office. They will be looking forward to planting their garden when the ground is ready, but until then, they are starting herbs in egg carton shells.
After the presentations, the kids migrated to the gym for a special guest. Duluth Playhouse staff led an active dance routine and the kids and staff got really into it. It was a hit!
Mayor Emily Larson officially proclaimed this special day Global Youth Service Day in the city of Duluth. We are very excited to be continuing this legacy of youth around the country giving back to their local communities. Our AmeriCorps members are recognized for their efforts towards empowering youth to make a difference in others’ lives. We look forward to the many projects to come in the years ahead.
