On Saturday, April 19, a group of Somerset Hills YMCA volunteers joined forces as part of the Y’s new ‘Togetherhood’ Volunteer Initiative to make a difference in the life of a family affected by Hurricane Sandy.
Fourteen volunteers gave their time and talent to help repair a family’s home in Union Beach, New Jersey. The Y volunteers, ranging in age from 16 to 51, included Alex Lukacsko and Ryan Cutaneo of Bernardsville; Mark Herndon, Alex Scanniello, Phil Weis, Dylan McCauley and Dan McCauley of Basking Ridge; Tomer Cohen, Susan, Kevin, Maky and Kielan Rupert of Far Hills; Amrita Minhas of Mendham; Sarah Shields of Newark; and Sylvia Velez of Raritan. Together, and side-by-side with the grateful homeowner, the volunteer team installed sheetrock and insulation, as well as moved debris into dumpsters.
"It’s hard to believe that families are still reeling from a storm that happened nearly two years ago," commented Sylvia Velez, Director of Member and Volunteer Engagement. “Our volunteers jumped at the chance to help. Each one of us was affected by the storm, but not as badly as this family. It was nice to pay forward the kindness and support we experienced at that time.”
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As a non-profit organization with a mission of strengthening the community, social responsibility is a key focus of the Somerset Hills YMCA. The Y is committed to support the community through the ‘Togetherhood’ initiative. Two upcoming community service projects for 2014 include:
Flag Day 5K, June 12 – This Community Hope event raises funds for Hope for Veterans Programs that serve as many as 1,000 homeless and wounded veterans and their families. The 5K race will take place on June 12 at the Lyons VA Campus, 151 Knollcroft Road in Bernards Township. The Y’s Togetherhood Program will support the event with volunteers who will help with race registration.
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Veterans BBQ, August 1 (Rain date August 8) – The Togetherhood Committee will host a BBQ and Healthy Cooking Lessons on August 1 for Veterans at Valley Brook Village on the Lyons VA Campus. Y volunteers are encouraged to participate by preparing food and socializing with the veterans and by bringing a favorite dish with the recipe to share.
Anyone interested in becoming involved should contact Sylvia Velez at 908 766 7898 x530 or visit www.somersthillsymca.org and click on the VOLUNTEER button.
