Fifth-grader Vivian Forbes spoke to the many volunteers at the opening kickoff event prior to the groups heading off to work on projects throughout the county. She is the granddaughter of Lani Forbes, executive director of the United Way in Barry County.
Vivian spoke about how even though she is young, United Way has already impacted her life through supporting programs for youth like 4-H, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation.
“I’ll start with 4-H, one of the original programs funded by the United Way. I showed two lambs this past year. I got to open my first savings account with the money I earned from 4-H. 4-H teaches us about loyalty and service to our community.”
She also highlighted the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program saying it was a favorite program of hers and her siblings. “We all got to receive new books from birth to age 5. That inspired a love of reading right from the very beginning. Thank you to the United Way and the Dolly Parton program for working ‘9 to 5’ to instill the love of reading.”
“The last program I would like to talk about today is my newest love - softball with TAPRC. That stands for Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation - another United Way funded program.”
She said United Way helps provide great parks, recreation and programs like softball where she has learned new skills and made new friends.
“I’m young and still learning what my community has to offer and what I have to offer as well. But with the help of my grandma, the United Way, and these awesome programs I feel like I am being led in the right direction. United now more than ever,” said Forbes.
This is the 90th year of the Barry County United Way program and Lani Forbes said it has helped generations of families through a variety of programs. “Generations of kids have had opportunities because of your generosity supporting United Way,” she said.
After the speeches, Thornapple Kellogg High School student council members were ready to get to work and volunteer at YMCA Camp Algonquin.
“It makes me feel really wholesome. We’re doing something good for the community. I joined student council last year but later in the year, so this is my first year getting to participate in this. It’s very rewarding,” said Raegen Chapman as she pulled invasive weeds from along a new drive at the camp.
Classmate Austin Hansford agreed. “I get the feeling of satisfaction. The community has given so much to us, it’s nice to be able to give back.”
TK students worked in groups on three separate projects at the camp. One group of students waded into the lake where they were tasked with moving the small rocks that had been pushed into the lake over the summer, back onto the shoreline.
Another group took off through the woods to a new service drive. Donning their gloves, they wasted no time starting to rid the area of the invasive weeds. The third group used hammers and pry bars to remove nails from old deck boards around some of the cabins where new decks will be built later.
“It’s nice to be able to help improve our community and give a helping hand,” said Avery Hagemann.
Meghan Skidmore worked diligently with the group picking weeds. She said she liked being able to help and tackle a project with other students. “It makes you feel like you are really accomplishing something. It feels like the end product is going to be worth it,” she said.
Student Council members attending today’s Day of Caring were Reagen Chapman, Owen Corner, Jacob Draaisma, Aidan Dudik, Ella Fischer, Payton Gater, Avery Hagemann, Austin Hansford, Aubrey Hawks, Mia Hilton, Kylee Hoebeke, McKenna Hoebeke, Madison Keitzman, Evan Liu, Meghan Skidmore, Lukas Walters, Franklin Wilkinson and Ava Zellmer along with their two advisors, Liz Ritsema and Caitlin Elsesser.
More than 550 volunteers have signed up to work on various projects throughout the county this week as part of the United Way’s campaign kickoff for the year. The United Way hopes to raise $800,000 for programs this year.