For parents who wish to get their children involved in volunteer or
charity work, step out to the Holiday Community Giving Fair hosted by
Youth Squared: Youth Helping Youth.
The event, being held on November 14 at 112 Spring Street, Saratoga Springs, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will provide one venue to highlight numerous area not-for-profit agencies and other volunteer opportunities that children can become involved in. This is the first year that Youth Squared has hosted a community-wide event.
"This event will spread not only who we are, but all the ways people can help in a community. Our mission is to empower youth to make a difference in someone else's life," said Beverly Lazar, founder of Youth Squared.
The event will also showcase guest speaker Darrice Kelly who will have an interactive chat called "Teaching Children About Community Giving." There will be live entertainment, refreshments and raffles.
Youth Squared began six years ago when Lazar turned 50.
"It was my 50th birthday and I wanted to give back to the community. I volunteered for different organizations as a teenager and I gained a lot from the experience; it helped to shape me as a person and I learned life skills. I wanted to encourage youth to do the same thing, so instead of gifts, I asked for donations to get this started," she said.
Through Youth Squared, young adults are encouraged to think about issues they care about, design their own volunteer, social awareness or fundraising project that helps youth locally or globally. Through the organization a child can present their project in a grant proposal and possibly receive funding for their project. Past projects include: building the Lake Avenue Elementary School playground, raising money for mosquito nets for Malaria prevention in Africa, purchasing books for a school in Sierra Leone, tsunami relief and help for children who are fighting rare diseases.
"Youth Squared is an outstanding opportunity for me to use my talents and skills to help other youth in a personal and meaningful way. I enjoy the positive atmosphere that is evident in every advisory council meeting. Altruism is very important to me, and Youth Squared makes it possible for me to be philanthropic," said Matthew Moellman, 17. Molleman is an original Youth Squared member who will be graduating this year.
Youth Squared is currently comprised of an advisory board which includes six youths and six adults who review the grant applications, distribute funds and educate the community about volunteer action.
"I've learned a lot of life lessons and skills by being a part of Youth Squared," said 15-year-old Lauren Dillon of Saratoga Springs. "Reaching out and spreading the word shows how much I care about helping others."
14-year-old Halley Choy added "I've made a lot of friends through helping my peers and learned how to be a role model."
To learn more about Youth Squared, the Holiday Community Giving Fair or more ways to help, visit their website at www.youthsquared.org. Donations can be sent to Youth Squared, Care Of Bev Lazar, 28 George St., Saratoga Springs 12866.
"This event will spread not only who we are, but all the ways people can help in a community. Our mission is to empower youth to make a difference in someone else's life," said Beverly Lazar, founder of Youth Squared.
The event will also showcase guest speaker Darrice Kelly who will have an interactive chat called "Teaching Children About Community Giving." There will be live entertainment, refreshments and raffles.
Youth Squared began six years ago when Lazar turned 50.
"It was my 50th birthday and I wanted to give back to the community. I volunteered for different organizations as a teenager and I gained a lot from the experience; it helped to shape me as a person and I learned life skills. I wanted to encourage youth to do the same thing, so instead of gifts, I asked for donations to get this started," she said.
Through Youth Squared, young adults are encouraged to think about issues they care about, design their own volunteer, social awareness or fundraising project that helps youth locally or globally. Through the organization a child can present their project in a grant proposal and possibly receive funding for their project. Past projects include: building the Lake Avenue Elementary School playground, raising money for mosquito nets for Malaria prevention in Africa, purchasing books for a school in Sierra Leone, tsunami relief and help for children who are fighting rare diseases.
"Youth Squared is an outstanding opportunity for me to use my talents and skills to help other youth in a personal and meaningful way. I enjoy the positive atmosphere that is evident in every advisory council meeting. Altruism is very important to me, and Youth Squared makes it possible for me to be philanthropic," said Matthew Moellman, 17. Molleman is an original Youth Squared member who will be graduating this year.
Youth Squared is currently comprised of an advisory board which includes six youths and six adults who review the grant applications, distribute funds and educate the community about volunteer action.
"I've learned a lot of life lessons and skills by being a part of Youth Squared," said 15-year-old Lauren Dillon of Saratoga Springs. "Reaching out and spreading the word shows how much I care about helping others."
14-year-old Halley Choy added "I've made a lot of friends through helping my peers and learned how to be a role model."
To learn more about Youth Squared, the Holiday Community Giving Fair or more ways to help, visit their website at www.youthsquared.org. Donations can be sent to Youth Squared, Care Of Bev Lazar, 28 George St., Saratoga Springs 12866.
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