Las Vegas Chapter Kicks Off Summer with “Smiles”

The members of the Las Vegas Chapter kicked off their summer break by helping Toys 4 Smiles, a nonprofit charitable organization that produces simple, hardwood toy cars and trucks that are provided to first responders to give to children in trauma situations.  One of the moms observed that “It is such a beautiful organization! Absolutely everything is donated, materials and time.  They take pride making sure that the final product is high quality and the cars roll and look great.”
The boys had a great summer and are looking forward to many additional opportunities to serve their community.

Dalrich chapter has an Epiphany Garden Work Day

Early on a Saturday morning, before the sun got too hot, more than a dozen Dalrich Chapter volunteers arrived at Epiphany Neighborhood Garden to assist church members with some gardening.  The garden opened last year in Richardson as a mission project of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany.  Church members and neighbors donate produce grown in the garden to the food pantry at the Network of Community Ministries, meeting an essential need for fresh fruits and vegetables.  They have already donated 600 pounds of food this year.

The Dalrich Chapter volunteers assisted church members with mulching the garden, an essential task for water conservation and weed prevention.  Moms and boys worked together to shovel mulch into wheel barrows, transport to the beds and spread around each raised garden bed.  In an impressive display of productivity, volunteers moved two huge piles of mulch in less than three hours, earning a handful of blisters.  Besides completing this terrific task, volunteers also enjoyed learning more about the plants in the garden and seeing the ‘fruits of their labor’ in the form of blooming artichoke plants and burgeoning squash plants.

Las Vegas Chapter goes to the Prom

On Saturday, May 12^th thirteen members and their sons of the Las Vegas Chapter participated at Joy Prom Las Vegas.  Joy Prom Las Vegas is a full-scale, complimentary prom for teenagers and adults with cognitive and physical impairments.  The event unites community and helps dispel negative stereotypes.  The boys hosted a guest for the evening while their mothers’ chaperoned.  Joy Prom Las Vegas promotes the act of giving and social interaction between 300 guests and 1000 volunteers.  The spectacular evening included a red carpet experience, corsages for guests, dinner, and dancing bringing pure joy to those who attended and those that helped.   

 

Las Vegas Chapter gives back with the Miracle League

Our Las Vegas Chapter volunteered at Miracle League of Las Vegas on May 12.
Twelve moms and thirteen boys participated in this recreational spring baseball league for those with disabilities. Whether it was running the bases with the players or coaching for moral support, fun was had by all on that sunny, spring day.

Las Vegas Chapter hold innagural "New Membership Orientation"

YMSL Las Vegas Chapter held its inaugural "New Membership Orientation" on Sunday, April 29.  The Las Vegas Chapter launched its membership with 51 excited new members.  The members participated in their first Wish List donating items for the Clark County Department of Family Services. The chapter is preparing for a fun filled first year. 

Plano Chapter is awarded Community Partner of the Year by local medical center

The approximate 20 mother/son teams that makeup the Medical Center of Plano volunteer group have been awarded the prestigious 2012 "Community Partner of the Year" by the Medical Center of Plano. YMSL Plano was recognized at the Medical Center of Plano's annual Volunteer Banquet on Tuesday,  April 17, 2012 at the Plano Centre. Their MCP teams dedicated 3 hours every Thursday evening at MCP by volunteering as a greeter at the north and/or south information desks and have been enriching their lives by helping others. The Coordinators this year were Penny MacDonell and Margaret Taack. We thank these energetic, dedicated and compassionate volunteers for setting a great YMSL example!

We are looking forward to a great National Training Day in Plano, TX  today!  Over 160 officers and board members from our chapters will be attending - should be fun to meet, share, and learn.