Volunteers Working Hard to Help Community

Whether maintaining the grounds at Camp Sloper, giving backpacks to kids in need, or ensuring the quality of the YMCA's swimming experience, this years winners of the YMCA's Volunteer Service and Youth Leadership Awards have been busy.

Youth Leadership Award recipients Ashley Zerbe and Melissa Reid not only show leadership, they show commitment to the community's well being said Southington YMCA Executive Director John Myers.

Zerbe, 16, and Reid, 17, have been running an ever-expanding backpack program, giving backpacks full of back-to-school items to families who qualify. They're currently training others younger than them to take over after they graduate in 2012.

"We were surprised that we won because we're not really involved in YMCA programs, so we were honored that we were still recognized," Ashley said.

The girls work on their backpack project throughout the year; buying goods on sale and then working all summer to organize applicants before distributing them in late August. Last year more than 300 kids received backpacks.

"They really exemplify what it means to be a leader through this program, and under the supervision of Janet Mellon (Community Services Director) they really run the whole program on their own," Myers said.

"Every year it's great to see the smiles on kids' faces, and we're glad we can help," said Melissa. "Now we're just thinking about the award dinner - we've never done any public speaking before."

Dan Nardion will receive his volunteer service award as well tonight, recognized for his work maintaining the grounds at Camp Sloper. He'll share the honor with fellow recipient Gene Bystrack, for his voluntary help at the pool including work on the timing system.

"My girls have been swimming at the Y since they were four, so we've been helping out at the pool whenever we can, and the web site and things like that," Bystrack said. "We're happy to do it."