VCU Americorps to participate in National Youth Service Day April 17

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's Americorps program will team up with students from the university and local high schools to participate in National Youth Service Day, which organizers say this is the largest service event in the world. The event will take place April 17.

"We really tried to get more youth involved this year," said Nathan McAnally, event coordinator for VCU Americorps. "Our members provide service all year, but this is a chance to share the experience with another generation."

More than 50 volunteers are expected to provide support to numerous areas and organizations in Richmond, including the Carver Community Health and Housing Fair, St. Joseph's Villa and the Youth Matters Book Bank.

At the Carver Health and Housing Fair, Americorps members will be joining forces with local high school students to assist the community recently affected by the fire. Volunteers will help with set-up, nutrition tables and book giveaways from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

In addition, 25 Americorps members and VCU students will help plant flowers and clean up the courtyard of St. Joseph's Villa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers will be working with members of St. Joseph's Villa Respite Care Program, which aids families with handicapped children.

Both high schools students and Americorps members will sort books in the Youth Matters Book Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The book bank receives numerous donations and depends on volunteers to sort the books to be donated to groups in need.

VCU Americorps is a local faction of the National Americorps Program. The VCU program focuses on literacy in Richmond City elementary schools. Providing service to eight schools daily, the members see this service day as an opportunity to provide service in different areas while still working with youth.