The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board, which has purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at board events, made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas. (Photo courtesy City of Oak Ridge)
On Wednesday, the City of Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board made a special delivery at the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County, dropping off an estimated $1,200 worth of toys just in time for Christmas.
The YAB, made up of 16 Oak Ridge High School students, purchased new items at a local retailer with funds raised at other board events, a press release said. Items purchased include toys for all ages, as well as bicycles, clothing, and sports equipment. The items will soon be distributed to low-income families in Oak Ridge and Anderson County for the holidays, the press release said.
“This generation of young people want to make a real difference in the world and I’m proud to be able to work with them,†YAB City Staff Liaison Matt Reedy said. “YAB members voted unanimously to give back to kids who are less fortunate. Most of the money supporting this project was raised by students at the Children’s Halloween Party, a city event at which they also volunteer.â€
After delivering and helping sort through the donated items at the Holiday Bureau’s warehouse on Emory Valley Road, the students took a tour of the facility to learn more about the nonprofit’s mission and other ways they can help.
The Holiday Bureau is run solely by volunteers and operates year-round, though most of their efforts are concentrated around the holidays. They accept monetary gifts as well as donations of toys, books, games, bicycles, electronics, jewelry, Christmas decorations, small household items, and non-perishable food. None of the items are ever sold.
For details on volunteer opportunities with the Holiday Bureau of Anderson County, contact them by phone at (865) 483-7831 or visit their website at holidaybureau.org. For more information on the YAB, contact Matt Reedy at (865) 425-3442 or visit the Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department website at www.orrecparks.org.
About Youth Advisory Board: The Oak Ridge Youth Advisory Board (YAB), created in 1991, serves as a liaison between City Council and the youth of the community. In the 26 years since its inception, the YAB has offered input on city issues and provided activities and programs that enhance the lives of young people in Oak Ridge. YAB meetings are held twice per month on Wednesday afternoons at the Oak Ridge Civic Center and are open to the public.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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