#pioutreach

August 4, 2022

Last Week of Summer Outreach!

Welcome to one of several summer 2022 Project Impact Outreach recaps from our Project Impact ROI intern. Project Impact ROI is an annual program designed to engage local high-school seniors and college-age students in community service, and expand our SHOTC youth summer programming and outreach. In return, the intern gains valuable leadership experience, credit hours (if applicable), and a monetary award. Know a student (18+) who would make a great intern candidate for Project Impact ROI? Click here for information.

My name is Ella Millere, and I am the 2022 Hands On Thomas County Impact ROI intern. I graduated from Thomasville High School and am currently a rising second year at the University of Virginia studying leadership and public policy. I see this summer as an opportunity to connect with my hometown and to build lasting relationships within the community. Thanks for following along on my intern and volunteer adventures.

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I’m sad to say that my summer of outreach is coming to an end. And what a great last week of volunteering it was! Although the week got off to a rocky start with weather cancellations, we finished off strong with two final projects. On Tuesday, the Boys and Girls Club and I visited Thomasville’s very own Pollinator Garden. Then, we closed out the week on Friday with Vashti at Scott Senior Center.

The Pollinator Garden is located right next to the Rose Garden at Cherokee Lake and is full of native plants that are planted in the shape of a butterfly. These plants are where many butterflies lay their eggs, and each type of butterfly only lays its eggs on a specific plant. Before volunteering, we had the incredible opportunity to learn all about pollinators and our area’s native plants from Ms. Beth Grant. Then, we got right to working hard, weeding the area, and spreading mulch all throughout the garden. It was hot, sweaty, hard work, but these kids did a great job and persevered to get it done!

For my very last summer youth project, I was lucky to be able to take one final visit to Scott Senior Center. Half a dozen boys from Vashti greeted the seniors as they came in and helped pass out coffee and breakfast. It is always a joy to see how happy young people can make the seniors, but also how much youth enjoy getting to spend time with them. This time, we played BINGO together – always a crowd favorite. We were engaged in almost every way, from calling out the Bingo numbers, to handing out prizes and helping the senior center attendees play.

As always, we were sad when it was time to leave. During our closing discussion, many of the boys shared interesting stories or things they had learned from talking to the seniors. This is always by far my favorite part of the youth volunteer projects. I love getting to hear what the youth get out of it and what parts they enjoy the most.

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors, The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, and all of our donors and sponsors for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

August 4, 2022

Summer Youth Outreach – Week 3

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This week was all about the animals! From domestic to wild, each youth organization this week got the chance to help or work with animals.

Both the Boys and Girls Club and Vashti got to go to Hands and Hearts for Horses, a therapeutic riding center for people of all ages with physical and intellectual disabilities. Through hippotherapy, riders can enhance their motor skills and compassionate thinking skills.

Starting off on Monday, youth from the boy’s cottage at Vashti helped out with Hands and Hearts’ kids camp and spent time doing barn chores. The boys really enjoyed interacting with the kids at camp, as they played games with the kids while the kids were on horses. Some of the youth were a little afraid of the horses at first, but they quickly warmed up and had loads of fun. After playing warm-up games with the kids at camp, we got right to work in the barn, where we scooped lots of poop from stalls and raked up the main section of the barn. These boys got the barn chores done in record time and are definitely some of the most hard-working people I know!

The next day at Hands and Hearts, The Boys and Girls Club enjoyed hanging out with the goats the most. After grooming the sensory trail by removing all branches and pinecones and raking it clean, the kids got to get in the goat pen and interact with them. We learned that the stereotype of goats eating anything is 100% true! While we were feeding them pieces of grass and leaves, one of the goats tried to eat a girl’s hair! Next, we got to work in the barn, scooping up poop from the stalls and filling in holes with wood shavings. And of course, we were able to pet several horses along the way!

On Friday, I met youth from The Clubhouse onsite to do a project serving three different kinds of animals. First, we made dog toys out of old T-shirts for dogs at the Humane Society. Many of the kids learned how to braid for the first time making the toys! Then, we made cat toys from old pill bottles to take to cats at Miss Kitty’s Feline Sanctuary. Lastly, we made Cheerios bird feeders to hang on trees around the Vashti campus for native birds to feed on. Usually, when we think about helping animals in need, we first think of rescue animals or strays. But sometimes, we need to help the animals that live right in our own backyards.

Overall, this was a very rewarding week for me, as the kids really seemed to enjoy each activity we did and expressed lots of interest in returning to volunteer with these organizations again.

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors, The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, and all of our donors and sponsors for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

August 4, 2022

Youth Outreach – Week 2

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After a busy first week of outreach, I was excited to get back into it with two more service projects this week. Going with a theme of senior outreach, I took two youth groups to two different facilities that serve seniors in our community: Scott Senior Center and Legacy Village.

To start the week, I accompanied the girl’s cottage at Vashti to Scott Senior Center. We created Smile Cards for the seniors, with inspirational messages or just a little joke to make them smile. When we got there, the volunteers greeted seniors at their tables and helped pass out donuts and coffee.

Next, we assisted the seniors with making memory collages. Memory collages are an easy craft project for all ages that includes choosing a theme, whether it be a place you love, an activity you do in your free time, or a memory, and cutting out images or words from magazines that match the theme to paste on a collage together. This activity allows seniors to think of what truly makes them happy, and the cutting and gluing also helps them keep their fine motor skills in practice.

This youth organization loved volunteering at Scott Senior Center so much that several of the girls asked if they could come back and volunteer on a regular basis! I was also happy to have another HOTC intern, Miyah, along with me on this project!

The next day, I took students from the Boys and Girls Club to Legacy Village, a residential senior living facility that loves to schedule many events and activities for its residents. We were excited to be added to their schedule!

Just like Vashti had done with Scott Senior Center, we made memory collages with Legacy residents. We found out that both the residents and the Boys and Girls Club LOVE food, as almost all of them made collages with a food theme.

Because we had a small group at Legacy, the volunteers had a great chance to chat individually with each of the residents in attendance. The kids enjoyed hearing residents’ stories about their lives, especially ones about what they love to cook and their time in the military.

I love getting to spend time talking to and serving seniors, so I’m glad many of the volunteers from this week now love it too!

This internship has been full of fulfilling experiences so far, but my favorite is the relationships I have built with so many volunteers and those that we serve. Many of the kids have volunteered at more than one outreach project already, and I love how we’ve gotten to know each other over these first few weeks.

I can’t wait for next week’s projects! (Hint: we’re helping those with more than two legs!!)

Special thanks to these Diamond Level & above Sponsors, The Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation, and all of our donors and sponsors for making volunteer programs and events like these possible.

July 26, 2021

Last Week of Impact Outreach

Welcome to one of several summer 2021 Project Impact Outreach recaps from our Project Impact ROI intern. Project Impact ROI is an annual program designed to engage local high-school seniors and college-age students in community service, and expand our SHOTC youth summer programming and outreach. In return, the intern gains valuable leadership experience, credit hours (if applicable), and a monetary stipend. Know a student (18+) who would make a great intern candidate for Project Impact ROI? Click here for information.

My name is Olivia, and I’m the 2021 Hands On Thomas County Impact ROI intern! I am a graduate of Thomasville High School Scholars Academy and a sophomore at the University of Georgia. After graduating, I hope to work for a non-profit as a Financial Planner or Advisor. I am excited to be back in my home town this summer to benefit my community. Thanks for following along on my intern and volunteer adventures.

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I never thought that my summer of community service projects would come to an end, but here we are. While I have two more weeks of my internship, my last service project is in the books.

I completed two service projects with the same volunteer groups I have been working with (and befriending) all summer. Youth from the Marguerite Neel Willimas Boys and Girls Club and I tackled Stencil Art at The Ritz Amphitheater. Well, at least we thought we were going to tackle Stencil Art. Halfway to the amphitheater, though, it started to rain. Typical summer weather! But we remembered our volunteer mantra about being flexible and took it in stride.

Instead of Stencil Art, we did some inside service projects: making dog toys for the Humane Society, and memory collages for Southern Pines Senior Living. Once again, they nailed both projects. They seriously went above and beyond. Farah with the Boys and Girls Club was so dedicated that she even made cat toys which will be added to our roster of DIY project ideas. She told me quote on quote, “I don’t have dogs, but I have cats. Can we make cat toys, too? I don’t want to discriminate…”

Just like Week 2 of Outreach, they didn’t let the rain stop them or their positive energy.

The following day, the Ventures and Connections kids and I went to Southern Pines. We potted porch plants on their patio and wrote positive notes to accompany them, masked up, of course. We planted 60 flowers which were distributed to their residents to bring cheer.

It was supposed to rain, too, but we got lucky! All rays of sunshine for my last service project. This event was truly special; the residents really enjoyed watching us in action, and especially appreciated receiving the final product!

I know I said my first day was my best day, but I think I am going to retract that statement. It can’t get much better than the porch plants. I am sad to think my summer of service and outreach has ended because I loved every moment.

THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, especially our Diamond Level (and above) Sponsors Ashley HomeStore, New Hire Solutions, Mr. & Mrs. Russell Chubb, Mr. & Mrs. Howell L. Ferguson, Ms. Diane W. Parker, and Dr. & Mrs. Philip C. Watt; as well as the Thomasville Antiques Show Foundation for making volunteer programs like these possible.

July 19, 2021

Week 3 – Impact Outreach

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After two weeks of recharging, we are back at it again! I can definitely say it is good to be back. I was able to get right back into the groove and focus on the two service projects I had this week with The Boys and Girls Club and Vashti’s Ventures and Connections.

Both groups did litter pick-ups in partnership with Keep Thomas County Beautiful. Keep Thomas County Beautiful is a non-profit organization that helps our community by promoting litter pick-ups, recycling, and so much more to make our town a lovely place!

On Tuesday, the Boys and Girls Club and I took on downtown Thomasville, while on Wednesday, Ventures and I tackled Cherokee Lake. We swept sidewalks, scraped gum off of benches and trash cans, and picked up all the litter we could see. We are some avid cleaners. Make sure to check out all of our action pics to prove how good we are!

The kids really loved this project because they love our town, our community, and our public areas. Brandon from Ventures even said, “If we use the area, it is our responsibility to clean it up.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!!

If you feel the same way, you can check out your own litter pick-up kits from the Thomas County Public Library, or Keep Thomas County Beautiful can provide you the supplies and even a recommended pick-up route if needed. A big thank you to Julie Murphree and everyone at Keep Thomas County Beautiful!

On a final note about this week, I truly missed these groups and service projects during our break. Helping my community has become such second nature now with these weekly projects. I am so glad I get to be a part of them. I am sad that my last week of service projects is next week but proud of all of the work we have done!

Vashti – litter pick up

Mainstreet Sweep with Boys & Girls Club

Mainstreet Sweep with Boys & Girls Club

July 19, 2021

Week 2 – Impact Outreach

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When it rains, it pours! And it sure did pour the week of June 21st, but the rain didn’t keep us down during our second week of Project Impact Outreach. Boy, our summer of service just keeps getting better and better!

I was ecstatic to start the new week having two events: one with the Marguerite Neel Williams Boys and Girls Club on Tuesday morning and another project with Vashti’s Ventures & Connections on Wednesday morning. Double the fun!!

On June 22nd, the Boys and Girls Club completed Thomas County Rocks and wrote positive letters to senior citizens. Originally, we were supposed to be outside doing stencil art, but the weather kept us indoors.

Even though it rained and rained, the Boys and Girls Club kids didn’t let it stop their fun while we completed Positivity Rocks designed to bring smiles to local community members who find them hidden around town. These kids are artists. I mean they are seriously talented. One volunteer even drew Spongebob and Plankton on rocks! Go check out our pictures!

We didn’t get to hide the rocks because of the rain, but we calculated and coordinated each place we WOULD LIKE to hide our rocks, so for next time, we know exactly where we are going to put them. I truly love this service project which is just a random act of kindness anyone can perform. It is simple and sweet. Rain or sunshine the positivity shines through. And to be completely honest, I can’t wait till we hide them (and you find them!)

Then, the following day on the 23rd, I led a service project for Ventures & Connections at NeverLost, a non-profit that advocates and provides resources for children and families transitioning through the court and/or foster system. I had never heard of NeverLost until this internship, and it is probably one of my new favorite nonprofits to help.

We wrote letters to foster kids and then organized the Donation Room which was filled with clothes, books, toys, diapers, and toiletries. Every item in that room can make a kid’s (or family’s) life just a little bit easier. All I can say is if anyone needs help with cleaning and organizing, I think we are your people — Ventures & Connections crushed it! A big thank you to Hannah Phillips and Wendy Green for allowing us to volunteer at NeverLost. Be sure to check out their website and lend a hand when you are able.

The Boys and Girls Club and Ventures & Connections never let the gloomy weather ruin their mood. Both groups had fun and made a difference. At the end of each project, we all knew we were doing something good, which is what makes this internship so meaningful and special to me. I can’t ask for anything better than that.

Olivia giving a quick introduction to the project

Boys & Girls Club

She drew that!

Boys & Girls Club

Look at all these rocks!

Boys & Girls Club

Working hard!

Vashti at Never Lost

June 16, 2021

First Day! – Impact Outreach 2021

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First Day! Best Day! Today was the (and my) first official day of Project Impact Outreach, a summer volunteer program for local youth organizations. Our service project this morning was Thomas County Rocks at MacIntyre Park with a group of 11-15 years old from Vashti’s Ventures and Connections.

So… Thomas County Rocks? What is that you may ask? Well, it is where we draw/write positive messages or images on 3-5 inch white river rocks. There were a total of 10 of us, and we knocked out at least 40 rocks. Each rock was special and unique (just like the volunteers that made them). Our ideas varied from a sea turtle to abstract art to uplifting quotes. Some of the quotes chosen were:
● Have a fantastic day!
● No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
● Be the reason someone smiles.
● One person can do so much.
● You make a difference.

After we made all the rocks, we got to HIDE them. To be quite honest, that was probably the best part. We hid them all around MacIntyre Park, and the kids were going to hide some at The Vashti Center, as well. So if you are in either of those areas, make sure you are on the lookout! If you find one, post a picture online and tag us #handsonthomascounty #hotcpi2021. You can keep it or hide it somewhere else to brighten another person’s day!

Thomas County Rocks was a great first volunteer project because knowing that someone was going to stumble upon these positivity rocks made us smile (and hopefully the finder will too). It was a simple act of kindness but a powerful one at that.