A Successful Summer

Post written by Rachel P., one of our amazing AmeriCorps VISTAs.

This summer I had the great opportunity of organizing the weekly Summer of Service events that United Way of Utah County coordinates every summer.  Summer of Service is a national program that encourages individuals, especially youth, to volunteer during their summer break rather than watch TV or play video games all summer long.

We helped set-up chairs and tables for a Kids on the Move fundraiser,

take care of the horses at Hoofbeats to Healing,

put together “Snack Sacks” for Community Action Services and Food Bank,

and so much more!

The funny thing about service is that it often changes you more than anything.  Running the United Way of Utah County Summer of Service program gave me the great opportunity of meeting the Whitworth family, a family of 5 kids that changed my life more than they might ever know.

After coming to a United Way of Utah County Summer of Service event the Whitworth family decided to take volunteering to a whole new level!  They decided to log their hours toward earning the Presidential Service Award.  And of course, just not the bronze but the GOLD award!  This meant that these young kids (all under 14) had to do 100+ hours of service in just 3 months!  These kids will have the great honor of receiving their awards from the Lt. Governor Greg Bell at an awards banquet organized by the Commission on Volunteers.  The mother of these children, Cynthia, has already taught her children the importance of the words “LIVE UNITED.”  I only hope that I might be able to teach my own children that same message.  Thank you Whitworth family for your great example and inspiration!