Ross Library program encourages teens to volunteer
PHOTO PROVIDED A teenage participant is seen hard at work making a sign to entice donations of pet toys.
PHOTO PROVIDED Youth Service Coordinator for the Ross Library, Holly Eisaman, who spearheaded the program, is pictured with some of the collected pet toys.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Some of the teenage participants are seen playing with cats at the SPCA.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Some of the teenage participants are seen playing with cats at the SPCA.
PHOTO PROVIDED A teenage participant is seen hard at work making a sign to entice donations of pet toys.
PHOTO PROVIDED Youth Service Coordinator for the Ross Library, Holly Eisaman, who spearheaded the program, is pictured with some of the collected pet toys.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Some of the teenage participants are seen playing with cats at the SPCA.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Some of the teenage participants are seen playing with cats at the SPCA.
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LOCK HAVEN -- The local teens of Lock Haven are giving back to the community, working with the Ross Library to volunteer for the Clinton County SPCA.
Youth Service Coordinator for the Ross Library, Holly Eisaman, spearheaded the program as part of their summer theme of "All Together Now."
Ms. Holly designed the program to help raise awareness in the younger demographic that they can make a difference in their hometown, giving the program the fitting title of "Teens in Action" to put them front and center.
To make sure the kids felt as in charge as possible, she even left the initial picking of the non-profit to the group, with the teens deciding to focus their attention on the SPCA.
"Everybody loves cats and dogs," said Ms. Holly, making the group an easy front runner for their charitable efforts.
After deciding on the organization they would sponsor, the next step was raising awareness for their program.
Ms. Holly thought it would be fun for the group to learn a little bit about graphic design through this process, introducing them to the software Canva and letting them make posters to promote their efforts.
"I just stood back and gave them the tools," Ms. Holly said. The posters were put up on the Ross Library's social media pages for the public to see their efforts.
They set up dropboxes at the Lock Haven YMCA and Ross Library, accepting donations of toys and food for the animals and cleaning supplies for the staff at the SPCA.
The SPCA also sent over a speaker, Community Outreach Coordinator Chayna Guiswite, to inform them of the overall mission and day to day activities at the shelter.
The teens got to see this in action, as they went over to the Clinton County SPCA and spent time volunteering, helping to clean up the facility and keeping the animals occupied and active during their time there.
Initially, the program was only meant to last throughout June, but now the group might become a permanent addition to the Ross Library.
Plans have already been made to extend into July and August with future volunteer days, and they also are looking to help the SPCA with their upcoming 5K run, providing assistance wherever they might be needed.
Ms. Holly and the teens hope to be able to expand their program out towards other nonprofits in addition to the SPCA, considering the Salvation Army as a possibility.
Interest in the program is growing as well, with more people contacting the library to join after seeing the success from "Teens in Action's" first excursion.
If your kid is interested in lending a helping hand by joining "Teens in Action," contact Ms. Holly via email at Ross9@rosslibrary.org or phone at 570-748-3321.