Oneida County Celebrates Children Care Initiative

Oneida County officials are celebrating another successful Children Care Initiative.

County Executive Anthony Picente says 990 local youth gave back nearly 10,000 volunteer hours to the community in 2016.

“Just as Oneida County supports our youth through many of our programs and activities, it is imperative that those same youth also understand the importance of giving back to the community themselves,” Picente said. “The Oneida County Children Care Initiative helps youth experience the benefits of volunteerism so that as they mature, they strengthen their community roots and their commitment to service.”

The County Youth Bureau initiative has completed its eighth year.

The youth volunteers worked on projects including the Build a Bike Program, serving meals at local food pantries and cleaning the yards of senior citizens.

Some of the agencies involved include the Thea Bowman House, the Neighborhood Center and Mohawk Valley Safe Schools and the Salvation Army.