Youth give back to their local community by raising over $1,500 to donate to the Greenville Community Shelter. Thirteen year old Nathan Barondes and eleven year old Seth Crutchfield came up with the idea to help the shelter by collecting donations. Seth talked to his mom about wanting to raise money for the shelter. She explained how much work it would take to raise the money by placing donation jars at local businesses. Seth didn't give up on his idea to give back to the shelter and took the idea to his school.After talking to a guidance counselor Seth set up donation jars in Wintergreen Intermediate School classrooms, and turned the project into a school project. Seth planned to raise $250 but raised more than $500. Nathan started volunteering at the shelter at the age of nine years old with his church. Children are not normally allowed to volunteer until they reach their bar mitzvah, however Nathan showed interest earlier than most. Nathan raised money from a garage sale that netted $500, but he wanted to donate more so he donated $500 of his own savings.Bob Williams, the executive director of the shelter, said that it costs $25 per night to house each person at the shelter. Thanks to the youth donations the shelter has raised enough money for sixty nights of housing for one resident.Both parents were not surprised that their children did so much to raise money for their community. Nathan and Seth's parents also give back to the shelter through volunteer work. Karen Barondes says that she is proud that the boys have been instilled with the need to give back. She hopes that through this story others see the importance of giving back at a young age.[caption id="attachment_1660" align="alignnone" width="225"]

Seth Cruthchfield Donating Check and Change To Shelter[/caption][caption id="attachment_1661" align="alignnone" width="225"]

Nathan Barondes Handing Check to Greenville Community Shelter[/caption]You can also give resources, such as laundry bags, blankets, and men's deodorant. These simple household items can make a huge difference for our residents.