On March 6th at the James Galgano Senior Center in Sleepy Hollow, over 30 families came together to learn about how their children could help make a difference in their own community. Kids’ Club Director Maribel Palacios explained the mission of Kids’ Club and how our work would be strengthened by the support of the youth. She also shared our goal that the program would create learning and experiential opportunities to help develop the students into future young leaders, providing them with tools to strengthen their skills along the way.
Right away, the students showed enthusiasm for this opportunity to get involved and to give back. Diego, age 11, shared that he wanted “to be part of the YAB because I want to help the community.” 15 year old Justin said he wanted to volunteer “to help and be part of an organization in our community.” Henry, a SHHS senior, explained that he wanted “to be able to help other kids have the same opportunity as everyone else.”
The YAB’s first fund-raising event – – a community Easter egg hunt – – took place on April 16th, a beautiful Saturday morning. The idea was conceptualized and planned by the students, who prepared eye-catching flyers and distributed them throughout the villages of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.
The hunt took place at the Michelle Milliam Playground in Sleepy Hollow, where the YAB hid 1,000 eggs among the jungle gyms, trees, sitting areas and fields. A great time was had by the teens and the multitude of children and families who came out to support the event. So many people participated that the YAB raised over $650 to be granted to programs that benefit underserved youth in the community!
Another component of the YAB is to educate the students about the great work being done by the grantee organizations and programs Kids’ Club supports. A recent YAB meeting focused on the vital work taking place at Open Door Family Medical Center, where approximately 1,000 patients have their physical and mental health needs attended to each day, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. One of Open Door’s larger facilities is here in Sleepy Hollow.
Inspired by this critical mission, as well as by, for many, a personal familiarity with Open Door’s services, the YAB’s next effort will be to collect baby supplies for Open Door’s youngest clients. Please refer back to this website or our Facebook page or Instagram account in the coming months for more information on how you can contribute to this important supply drive.
If you know a 6th-12th grade student who might like to participate in the YAB, please contact us at kidsclubttsh@gmail.com for more information.