The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and Canton Club 55+ made the holidays brighter for many members of the Canton Youth Connection Program by hosting a special Jingle Bell Boutique event at the Summit on the Park, located at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton, MI.
Throughout the year The B.L.O.C.K.’s Youth Advisory Council, a teen group which provides opportunities for middle school and high school students to build lifelong leadership skills, raised money in order to purchase items “to stock” a special pre-holiday boutique where over 15 children were able to participate in a special shopping spree as a reward for positive behavior throughout the school year. Items in the Jingle Bell Boutique included: games, toys, jewelry, art supplies, hats, gloves, mittens, and more.
Members of the Canton Youth Connection, a supervised after-school outreach program for children ages 5 to 10, were able to earn “play” money for good behavior throughout the fall and then “spend it” shopping at the Jingle Bell Boutique for their families before the holidays.
“It was great to see how these kids shopped for their family members, rather than shopping for themselves,” said Recreation Specialist Laura Mortier. “So many YAC members worked tirelessly raising the necessary funds needed to stock the selves of this rewards-based boutique. They enabled these younger students who worked hard and exhibited good behavior to be rewarded in such a unique and caring way. This event could not have been so effective without the help of Canton Club 55+ members who assisted all of our shoppers.”
Several Canton Club 55+ members also volunteered at the event helping participants wrap their presents and create special holiday cards. In addition, this group of dedicated volunteers also provided a lavish sweet bar and a photo booth.
Canton Club 55+, located at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton, MI is a premier destination for area seniors seeking a wide variety of programs, trips, special events, activities and classes for free or at low-cost. This dynamic center provides year-round social, recreational, and educational activities, in addition to serving as an informational resource for those 55 and older. Through the Senior Alliance, Canton Club 55+ also plays an advocacy role for seniors at the local, state and federal level.
The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center provides students ages 11 to 17 with a teen-friendly atmosphere that is home to all of their favorite activities. Visitors to The B.L.O.C.K. can enjoy: a computer lab, video games, pool tables, Foosball, a big screen TV, a quiet study room and a café for snacks and small meals, all in a safe and supervised environment.
The B.L.O.C.K. (Building Leaders Out of Canton's Kids) Youth and Teen Center is located on the third floor of the Canton Administration Building at 1150 S. Canton Center Road in Canton, MI. For more information about this popular teen destination, call 734/398-5570 or visit www.cantonfun.org.