Through the Youth Volunteer Corps, youth 11 to 18 years old donate many hours to help in myriad ways in the Alpena area, and, without them, many local events and initiatives may find themselves short-handed.

The program is a service of the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena. In 2015, the local group was named a Gold Level Youth Volunteer Corps Affiliate and was one of only nine throughout the U.S. and Canada. The local youth service program offers volunteer opportunities for more than 100 teens who serve nearly 5,000 volunteer hours every year

The primary goals of the Volunteer Corps are to engage youth in service projects that are challenging, rewarding, and educational, serve the unmet needs of the community and its residents, promote among youth a greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of their community, and promote a lifetime ethic of service among youth.

Alicia Hawley, director of the Youth Volunteer Corps at the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena, said the boys and girls are dedicated and always willing to lend a hand when needed. She said engaging in volunteerism now almost ensures the kids will continue to do so into adulthood.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Rachelle Fleck, left, Skyler Wininger, center, and Aeris Snyder hold rocks they decorated in a rock garden near the entrance to the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena.

“They do it to help their community and be with their friends,” Hawley said. “It’s our goal to create lifelong volunteer skills and start a passion for them. You see the members bloom into wanting to help everyone whenever they can.”

Skyler Wininger, 17, has been in the Volunteer Corps for six years. He said that, since then, he has logged about 650 volunteer hours. Wininger said he donates his time because of the love he has for the community and the people in it.

“I enjoy going out and doing things and then seeing the smiles on people’s faces is incredible for the little things that I do can make people’s days or weeks,” he said. “I’ve gotten a few letters and postcards thanking me, and it brings a smile to my face, too.”

Hawley said one of the favorite places the kids like to donate their time is the Huron Humane Society. She said they love connecting with the animals and assisting the staff with chores that need to get done.

Aeris Snyder, 13, said most of the volunteer work is not hard and actually fun. She said being around her friends who volunteer is a bonus and they often hang out together after the volunteer work is finished.

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Youth Volunteer Corps of Alpena members Aeris Snyder, left, Skyler Wininger, center, and Rachelle Fleck show off one of the birdhouses they built at the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena. The teens volunteer their time at places like the Huron Humane Society and Turning Brook.

“I love going to the animal shelter, because I love animals, and I like playing games with the seniors,” Snyder said. “I can’t wait for that one to come back up.”

Rachelle Fleck, 13, has been volunteering for a little more than a year. She said she also loves going to the shelter to play with the animals and just helping in any way she can.

“I just want to make my community a better place,” Fleck said.

Fleck, Wininger, and Snyder say they are likely to continue to offer their help to others for many years and also encourage others to pitch in and help, too.

“Volunteering really puts my time to good use,” Wininger said. “I probably would waste a lot of my time if I didn’t volunteer.”

Hawley said this year’s goal is to accumulate 8,000 volunteer hours among 150 members.