Youth Volunteer Opportunities Fair In Chappaqua Sunday

CHAPPAQUA, NY – The second annual Youth Volunteer Opportunities Fair will take place Sunday at First Congregational Church.

"Our youth here at FCC told us that they wanted to find organizations to volunteer at within our community. So, we created this Fair," said the church's Senior Minister, The Rev. Dr. Martha R. Jacobs, in a press release. "...one of our young members mentioned that he was surprised that helping others makes him feel good. Helping out in society, giving to others and making a difference make us all feel great, and who doesn’t want to feel great!"

Studies show that youth who volunteer are less likely to use drugs and alcohol. Also, youth who are doing for others learn about the value of helping others who are in need and realize that they are never too young to help change the world, organizers said.

The fair will provide a place for youth (5th grade and up) and their parents to learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities in the community. It is sponsored by the church and co-sponsored by New Castle United for Youth, the Town of New Castle and the Chappaqua Central School District.

Food will be provided by Lange's Deli and Jersey Mike's in Mt. Kisco.

More than 25 organizations will be participating, including:

• Chappaqua Cares
• Chappaqua Fire Department
• Chappaqua Library
• Community Center of No Westchester
• The Flood Sisters Kidney Foundation of America
• Friends of Karen
• Hilltop Hanover Farm
• Hospice and Palliative Care of WC
• Midnight Run
• Millwood Fire Company
• Spiral Giving – Youth Philanthropic Organization
• Westchester Youth Alliance

"We are proud to support this great event," New Castle Supervisor Rob Greenstein said. "Volunteering offers so many rewards. We have so many adult volunteers in our community who are so generous with their time. This fair will introduce our youth to the benefits of volunteering as they work to advance causes that are important to them."

New Castle United for Youth unites all parts of the community to strengthen our culture to promote safe and healthy lifestyles for our children. The goal is to increase awareness, advocate for our youth, and provide resources to support alcohol and drug free youth. New Castle United for Youth was recently awarded a grant through the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program, which provides funding to support local, community-based efforts to reduce youth substance use.

WHAT: second annual Youth Volunteer Opportunities Fair

WHEN: 12-2 p.m. Oct. 23

WHERE: First Congregational Church, 210 Orchard Ridge Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514

Jacobs added that on one Sunday a month, her church's youth will come together to share their volunteer experiences. "We hope that these stories will inspire more people to volunteer in our local community. If you would like to join us, please email or call us and we will tell you when these meetings are happening."