Port Washington Sophomore Named Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year

Annie Bandler, 16, a sophomore at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington and an active volunteer at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, has been awarded the Club’s 2017 Volunteer of the Year recognition. Annie is the first person at the Club to receive this recognition.

Annie first joined the Club as a volunteer in 2013 as part of a Mitzvah project. In the Jewish religion many synagogues require social action projects, often known as Mitzvah projects, in preparation of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, when youth become accountable for their actions. Annie wanted to work with kids and decided to explore volunteering at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club. She was thrilled to learn that the Club and the kids were equally thrilled to have her, even though she was only 12 years old at the time. Annie decided to continue volunteering at the Club well after her Bat Mitzvah and four years later truly feels like a member of the Club family. “Volunteering at the Club benefits the kids but it also really benefitted me,” said Annie. “Before I started volunteering at the Club I had no idea of what I wanted to do when I grew up but after this experience I know I want to obtain a degree in childhood education and pursue a career within the Boys & Girls Club movement or a similar after school program.”

During her tenure, Annie has gone from being a volunteer to becoming more of a mentor to many members who share their thoughts, concerns and dreams with her. “I’ve watched kids grow up over the past four years. They share their personal stories with me and I feel a very special connection to them.” said Annie. “Helping the kids is very rewarding but what’s even more rewarding is that the kids are so grateful and eager to learn. Working directly with the kids and observing their experiences at the Club is what made me realize I want to work for a Boys & Girls Club or similar organization.”

“We are very fortunate to have so many volunteers who give of their time to help and benefit our kids. Annie is kind, patient and approachable so it is not a surprise that so many members have come to call her their friend. She is also very genuine, reliable and always willing to not help not just the kids but also to help the staff,” said Sean O'Callaghan, the Club’s Education Director.

In addition to volunteering at the Club, Annie is involved with The Ed Foundation Support Center at Port Washington Library where she tutors third graders. She is also a leader in the Key Club and active on the Debate Team and Gay Straight Alliance. Annie will be heading to Costa Rica this summer where she will be involved with planning and organizing a summer program for local children.

The Club currently has more than 200 youth and adult volunteers assisting in various program areas and serving as mentors. To find out more about becoming a volunteer at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, contact Sean O'Callaghan at socallaghan@glencovebgc.org or call 516-671-8030 ext. 110.