Hanover Youth Service Council (HYSC)
The Hanover Youth Service Council consists of 35 middle and high school students from Hanover County selected for their dedication to service and leadership. HYSC works to promote youth volunteerism, leadership and conducts service projects in and around Hanover. Since its inception in 1998, HYSC members have volunteered more than 7,000 hours in the community.
Want To Be A Member of HYSC?
Applications for the Council’s annual membership drive are available on this website or through the Hanover school’s guidance offices in the spring of each year. (applications will be available here for download in April 2012)
Looking for Ways to Get Involved in Your Community?
See the links below or visit www.HanoverVolunteers.org to search for age-appropriate volunteer opportunities within your community.
Join HYSC and the GYSD Planning Coalition in Making Hanover’s 2011 GYSD the BEST!
Michael Ruiz and Anna Gordon of HYSC make tomato cages from donated wire at the Immanuel Episcopal Church Community Garden for Global Youth Service Day. Fresh food from the garden will be donated to area food pantries to help feed the hungry.
Jessica and Chalin volunteering with Master Gardener Program for GYSD 2010
This year GYSD will be April 15-17th and the goal is to involve every Hanover County resident age 5-25 in an act of service within the Hanover community. Non-profits, community organizations and individuals are encouraged to develop service projects, creating the opportunity for youth to meet crucial community needs. Project hosts will then submit their project proposals to the Department of Community Resources. Visit HanoverVolunteers for details on Hanover’s GYSD Fairtastic, designing/registering a project and more!
Sample of Recent HYSC Projects
Therapeutic Recreation Program Halloween Party
On October 28, 2010, members of HYSC helped the Hanover County Parks & Recreation team set up and run the annual Therapeutic Recreation Program Halloween Party. Over 60 people attended the party! Members helped with decorations, blowing up balloons, making punch and serving refreshments during the event. Youth also mingled and danced with guests. HYSC finished up the evening by assisting in cleanup efforts.
Family Day Carnival
Special Olympics Walk-A-Thon
HYSC’s 3rd Annual Anthem LemonAid Stand
Former Del. Frank Hargrove stopped by HYSC’s stand at the Ashland Wal-Mart to offer his encouragement and generous donation. Pictured with Mr. Hargrove are, from left to right: Alex Fransworth, Lana Ferguson, Michael Ruiz, Sloan Williams, Maggie Chenault, Addison Chenault, Logan Brazier. Back Row: Najeeba Gootee. Photo by Diane Chenault.
Photos by Afreen Gootee.
"Pay It Forward" Hot Chocolateers!
To encourage the community to “pay it forward” this holiday season, HYSC members set up a hot chocolate brigade at the Mechanicsville Christmas Parade. In lieu of payment, members passed out bookmarks complete with ideas on how individuals could return the favor by doing a good deed for others.
Resource Connection Celebrating Families Carnival
HYSC members assist the Resource Connection Celebrating Families Carnival by leading various games for those with disabilities.
HYSC’s 2nd Annual Anthem LemonAid Stand
HYSC raised $231.37 for the Children’s Miracle Network at this year’s LemonAid Stand.
Thanks to all the generous patrons of the Brook Run Ukrop’s.
HYSC’s 2009 School Supply Drive
Thanks for everyone's generous donations to HYSC’s 2009 School Supply Drive!
Related Resources and Links
Hanover Youth Service Council Program News
What Youth Can Do Opportunity Listing
Do Something – www.dosomething.org 
United We Serve – www.serve.gov
Youth Service America – www.ysa.org
Youth Noise – www.youthnoise.com
Need More Help or Ideas? Email us at volunteer@co.hanover.va.us
