Youth Give Back (YGB)
YGB is a program for 7th-8th grade Darien students. Students learn about human service needs in the surrounding community by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations including Person to Person, Darien Nature Center, At Home In Darien, Waveny Lifecare Network, Open Doors Shelter, and Fairgate Farm.​
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There are 7 meetings per semester.
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*Meeting Locations TBD*
Meetings will be held at local nonprofits where students will be volunteering​.
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Youth Give Back $200 registration fee funds the operation of the youth program:
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Personnel
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Refreshments/ snacks
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Supplies
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Any remaining funds are contributed to The Community Fund of Darien's grant giving pool to be invested in helping our community.​
Questions? Please email info@communityfunddarien.org
2024-2025 Youth Program Recap
From fall through spring, 38 Darien 7th and 8th grade students participated in Youth Give Back (YGB), contributing over 300 hours of volunteer service. Through meaningful experiences volunteering at local nonprofits, students gained insight into the needs of our surrounding community and the importance of giving back!
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"I learned that it's important to help others that are not as fortunate as you."
Fairgate Farm - Stamford
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In September, students volunteered at Fairgate Farm where they got their hands dirty harvesting shishito peppers, strawberries, and cherry tomatoes. They also weeded the garden, sorted seed packets, and counted garlic bulbs. Students learned about the value of healthy food access and the importance of supporting local food sustainability.
Open Doors - Norwalk
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At Open Doors, YGB students helped transition the community closet from summer to fall, organizing clothing donations for clients. They also toured the shelter facilities, gaining a deeper appreciation for the services provided to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Waveny LifeCare Network - New Canaan
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Students spent time with senior residents at Waveny LifeCare, engaging in balloon games, bocce, and warm conversations. The visit brought joy to both students and residents.
“Our residents enjoyed the visit so much… it was especially nice that, with all the extra pairs of hands, we were able to bring many of our 50 residents out into the garden to enjoy the sunshine and fall leaves.”
- Stella Clarke, Waveny’s Executive Director of Community Engagement
At Home In Darien
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Throughout the fall, students lent a helping hand to older adults in our community by raking leaves and cleaning up yards. This intergenerational service supported local seniors and taught students the value of simple acts of kindness!
Person to Person - Darien
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YGB students sorted bins, organized shelves, and hung up donated items at the Person to Person community closet. Their work helped ensure that families in need had access to well-kept clothing and household essentials.
Darien Nature Center
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In the spring, students helped maintain local nature trails by filling sandboxes and spreading fresh wood chips. Their work supported local outdoor spaces and helped ensure these areas remained safe and enjoyable for community members.
