Volunteens Keep Busy in the Community

About two years ago, librarians at the  began the Volunteens – a group of local teenagers dedicated to helping the community.

Many libraries have similar programs, but Brecksville was in need of one. So, Teen Services Librarians Diane Wilson and Julie Zukauckas started Volunteens.

On April 25, a handful of the teens gathered to make crafts for their parents. The kids made jars of snack mix for dads and small memory boxes for moms. This month, the teens focused on using recyclable materials for crafting.

“As opposed to other programs, they decide what they want to do,” Wilson said.

Usually a small group shows up to the monthly meetings, but Zukauckas said about 75 teens are part of the group. This just means different kids show up based on interest and schedule.

The bulk of the Volunteens' activities is giving back to the community. Last month, the teens made pet blankets for a Parma no-kill pet shelter on Brookpark Road.

“I loved them. My cats loved them,” said shelter worker Beth Morgan. “When people do stuff like that, it is really awesome.”

Zukauckas told the group of teens how well received the blankets were, which brought smiles to the blanket-makers faces.

Matthew Skapura, 13, said he enjoys Volunteens because of its feel-good nature.

“I just try to at any opportunity to volunteer,” he said.

Though it was his first meeting, he had been volunteering elsewhere to get service hours for church. His initial need for hours turned into a want to continue serving his community.

Volunteens also get involved with Meals on Wheels, the library’s summer reading program and any other events needing helpers.

A Volunteen veteran, 19-year-old Colleen Perisutti signed up for the program two years ago at the library because it looked fun. She said she thinks people should volunteer “because it teaches them to help others.”

Coming up in June, the students will assist with Brecksville’s Super 2011 Summer Reading Kick-Off. The day will involve games, prizes and reading opportunities, which Volunteens will help run smoothly.

“I think it [Volunteens] gives them a good outlet to provide service for their local community,” Zukauckas said.