On May 26, 2024, the AYLUS Great Neck Branch embarked on a meaningful volunteer mission at Jones Beach. This day was filled with efforts to protect the environment, support charitable causes, and help our young volunteers grow personally. What made this day special wasn’t just what we did, but the impact our actions had on both the community and the volunteers.
Jones Beach is a favorite spot for many, attracting visitors who enjoy activities like beach volleyball and Frisbee. However, these activities can threaten the bird breeding areas on the beach. Our main task was to make sure these areas stayed safe. Volunteers stood guard around the breeding zones, guiding beachgoers away from these sensitive spots. This effort was crucial in giving seabirds a peaceful place to lay their eggs and raise their babies. By protecting these birds, our volunteers helped preserve the local ecosystem.
In addition to protecting the birds, we also organized a fundraising event to support various causes. With the sunny Memorial Day weekend in our favor, we set up stalls offering a range of patriotic items, such as sunglasses, hats, bracelets in U.S. colors, hair ties, temporary tattoos, and nail stickers. Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of our volunteers, we raised over $400. This success showcased the dedication and community spirit of our team.
The money we raised will support several important causes. Part of the funds will go to CP Nassau, an organization that helps individuals with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Another portion will support programs for children with autism, ensuring they have the resources they need. Additionally, some funds will go towards local farmer’s market initiatives, promoting community engagement and local agriculture. Lastly, the funds will support future environmental conservation and educational activities in state parks, continuing our commitment to protecting the environment.
Beyond our immediate impact, the day provided valuable learning experiences for our volunteers. Engaging with the public in fundraising helped our members develop important communication skills and build confidence. Volunteering, especially in protecting wildlife and raising money for charity, gave our team a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. This personal growth is just as important as the work we did, as it prepares our volunteers to be proactive, compassionate leaders in the future.
We owe our success to the generous support of the community. The encouragement and contributions from those who supported our non-profit organization were key to achieving our goals. We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and believed in our mission. Your support not only helped us do our work effectively but also inspired us to keep going with renewed energy.
The AYLUS Great Neck Branch’s volunteer day at Jones Beach was a great success. Through our efforts to protect bird breeding areas, raise funds for charitable causes, and help our volunteers grow personally, we made a meaningful impact on our community. This day highlighted the power of youth-led initiatives and the importance of community involvement. We look forward to future opportunities to serve and make a difference, guided by the lessons and experiences we gained from this memorable day at Jones Beach.
Report by Fanxi Xia
Volunteer who participated(6hrs): -Fanxi Xia, Lily Jiang, Zoe Xia, xingchen Jin, Adena Yang, guangqi lu, Yingxiang Liu, Felicia Liu, Yuya Liu, Austin Wang, Siwoo Song, Jason zeng, Julia Laine, isla zeng , Kevin Zhang, Carrie zhang, Brandon Li, William Li, Nathan Yu, Alice Wu, Zhaoyu Liu, Junbo Hu, Catherine Tao (4hrs)
