Sixty-six youth from Crestwood Children’s Center’s Early Childhood Center participated in Make a Difference Day, a national volunteer event sponsored by USA Today newspaper. Teacher Colleen Callahan initiated participation at Crestwood several years ago.

This year the youth worked on two projects. One group collected newspapers, cans, and bottles on the Scottsville campus. They returned the bottles and cans to Wegmans and used the $20 in deposits to buy cat litter. The youth then donated the newspapers and cat litter to Scottsville Animal Hospital, where they received a tour of the facility and learned about the animals and how their donations would be used.

Another group spent time at the Henrietta Fire Department, where they helped the firemen wash the fire trucks. “Our kids have visited them before,” Colleen says. “The firemen love having the kids come and they make them feel very welcome.” The youth also learned about fire prevention and enjoyed lunch with the firemen.

A third group of youth helped make a reception for Outpatient Clinic clients a special event. They created and framed artwork to hang on the walls. They also put together activity packets for a reception for the children. “The activity packets included crayons and the kids love them,” Colleen says.

At the end of the day, all of the youth who participated received certificates of appreciation. “It’s good for our kids to give back to the community,” Colleen says. “It instills pride and self-worth and creates a sense of community for them.”