.png){kind=small}
2022: Motivating, Restoring, and Reaching New Service Heights
The year 2022 marked a significant and joyful return to pre-pandemic service, allowing the IYC to pivot back to direct community interaction. We were thrilled to return to our senior center partners, providing in-person performances, arts and crafts, and playing games with our senior friends, solidifying our renewed commitment to local presence. Alongside these cherished reunions, IYC launched several exciting new activities that brought creative, environmental, and athletic goals to the forefront.
91 Members
4007 Hours
26 PVSA Awards
In the year 2022 our network remained robust with 91 active members contributing an impressive 4,007 service hours and earning 26 President’s Volunteer Service Awards (PVSA). Below are some collaborative pictures that capture the fun, engagement, and lasting memories of IYC in 2022!
The Worry Worm Crochet Project
In 2022 IYC volunteers embraced a new crafting initiative: the Worry Worm Crochet Project. Members eagerly learned to crochet these small, comforting figures, ultimately donating over 500 worry worms to local children's hospitals and community centers. This project was a simple yet powerful way to help recipients manage anxiety, feel supported, and spread kindness one handmade worm at a time.
Collaborative Art: Love Hands Posters
Strengthening our ties with our senior friends, IYC organized the Love Hands Posters project. Volunteers created large, collaborative "love hand" posters—beautiful, joint artwork that was then donated to various senior centers. This artistic endeavor served as a vibrant visual testament to the mutual affection and partnership between the young volunteers and the senior community.
Addressing Food Aid: The Giving Gardens
IYC launched the impactful Giving Gardens project, collaborating with a local farm. Volunteers were given dedicated vegetable gardens to cultivate. Through their efforts, the giving garden produced an impressive harvest of over 2,000 pounds of fresh produce throughout the year. This harvest was proudly donated to local soup kitchens and lunch programs, making IYC a direct contributor to local food aid efforts.
Supporting Civic Responsibility: Recycle Days
Continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship, IYC actively participated in Recycle Days across different counties. Volunteers provided essential helping hands for sorting and managing materials, and proudly represented IYC volunteers at these civic events, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in the community.
Trail and Coastal Cleanup Expansion
Environmental efforts expanded in 2022, with IYC organizing a total of six park and trail cleaning events. We teamed up with county park rangers, allowing volunteers to learn valuable outdoor maintenance skills while enjoying nature. A major highlight was our first beach clean activity at the beautiful Sandy Hook beach on the Jersey Shore! This fun and engaging event not only cleaned the coastline but also successfully drew attention from many beach-goers, raising their awareness about protecting the vital beach environment.
The Rhythm of Service: IYC Zumba Dance Team
Under the expert guidance of Ms. Enguiea who is a professional fitness and dancing trainer, IYC formed its own Zumba Dance Team. Following regular training sessions, the team brought high-energy performances to big malls and community centers. These vibrant shows drew enthusiastic applause and acclaim, showcasing IYC talent in a new, rhythmic light and promoting fitness and joy through dance.
The Virtual Dragon Boat Race
IYC introduced a fun, year-long internal competition: the Virtual Dragon Boat Race. Six "dragon teams" were formed, each with dedicated leaders and members. This friendly competition tracked each team's progress based on accumulated service hours. The team with the highest total by year-end proudly won the championship, gamifying volunteer effort and driving high engagement throughout the year.
2022 was an unforgettable year defined by successful transitions, new creative projects, and the deep joy of community reconnection. From the simple comfort of a crochet worry worm to the excitement of our first beach cleanup and the warmth of in-person senior visits, our 91 members proved that service can be both fun and profoundly impactful.
Volunteerism is also about celebrating success and fostering deep connections. We were proud to host a wonderful year-end banquet, inviting our community friends and dedicated volunteers to gather, cheer, and celebrate the incredible work accomplished this year, setting the stage for even greater fellowship ahead.
