RACINE, Wis. — The Volunteer Center of Racine County offers opportunities for residents to get involved in their communities.

It also places an emphasis on having youth play a role. It formed the Youth Volunteer Corps of Racine to accomplish this goal.

What You Need To Know

  • The Volunteer Center of Racine County offers opportunities for residents to get involved in their communities

  • On a recent weekend morning, Kamiah Brown and other teenagers in Racine painted flower pots for an effort called “The Flower Pot Project.” These decorated pots will be donated to senior centers in Racine County

  • The Volunteer Center of Racine County hopes to instill a spirit of volunteerism to help their communities

  • The Volunteer Center of Racine County is offering a free summer camp to students as well as opportunities for career exploration, mental health awareness and CPR classes

On a recent weekend morning, Kamiah Brown and other teenagers in Racine painted flower pots for an effort called “The Flower Pot Project.” These decorated pots will be donated to senior centers in Racine County.

At least once a week, Brown joins the Youth Volunteer Corps of Racine to help out in her community.

“One time I volunteered to go ahead and help veterans and it was nice because I got to see them and pass out food to them," said Brown. "It’s just doing nice things. Then one time, we made cards for them too. I’m like a very creative person. It just helps me, and I am helping someone else at the same time which makes me feel good.”

Once the flower pots were painted, Sarah Webb used a satin clear seal to make sure the paint sticks.

She is the Youth Volunteer program director at the Volunteer Center of Racine County.

Webb said having youth volunteer for these types of projects is valuable.

“A lot of our nonprofits run on a very limited budget, and they really do rely on volunteers to come in and help and we are trying to instill in students now that they should volunteer now, because yes, you may need it for school, but you should also volunteer your whole life because our community really needs it,” said Webb.

One of the reasons Brown started to volunteer was for credits at her school. She said through this experience she found something more.

“It’s just me showing my artistic side because I don’t get to do that a lot because of school and everything but this helps me do that,” said Webb.

Brown also said she sees this as an opportunity to help guide her future beyond high school.

The Volunteer Center of Racine County is offering a free summer camp to students as well as opportunities for career exploration, mental health awareness and CPR classes.

It will also be hosting a Hygiene Giveaway for Racine County residents on April 27.

For more information, click here.

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