In conjunction with United Way of Utah County, high schools across the county participated in Global Youth Service Day(s) April 21st through 25th donating their time and resources to make a difference in the community.

“United Way wants to help youth become more involved in service and understand how to do it effectively,” said Julianne Harmon, the event coordinator and an AmeriCorps*VISTA member at United Way of Utah County.

Global Youth Service Day is a global event organized by Youth Service America, Global Youth Action Network, and numerous international organizations and coordinating committees. It is the largest annual celebration of young volunteers with millions of youth in countries everywhere carrying out thousands of community improvement projects.

Under the guidance of United Way of Utah County, students and coordinators began planning for this event in November 2007. Through the support of various student service clubs, committees and governments, high schools had many volunteers participate in this year’s activities.

In Utah County, Orem, Mountain View, Timpanogos, Lehi, Pleasant Grove, Lone Peak, Springville and American Fork high schools teamed up to provide several service projects aimed to benefit both children and adults in need. This year’s activities included repairing and cleaning parks, writing letters to soldiers, cleaning the G on the mountain in Pleasant Grove and making toys for children in need.

“This will help start a life-long habit of service,” Harmon said. “If youth start getting involved with service and volunteer work when they’re young, it will continue with them for the rest of their lives.”

To close the festivities, Community Action Services and Food Bank hosted a dance sponsored by United Way of Utah County to recognize the students who organized the projects.

The entrance fee to the dance was a donated hygiene item. All items benefited clients of Community Action Services and Food Bank.

At the dance youth participated in food-stacking competitions, “Guess the Crate Weight” and a dance off. 

Students also had the opportunity to sign up for Summer of Service, a program designed to encourage youth under age 18 to serve in their community while they are out of school.  United Way of Utah County will help youth find individual opportunities and organize group service projects.  Youth who complete at least 10 service hours and record at least one reflection on a service activity will be invited to a celebration event.  Click here to sign up!

For more information on how to get involved in Summer of Service or next year’s Global Youth Service Day contact United Way of Utah County Volunteer Center at 2-1-1 or 801-377-6600.