"Since I was a little girl, the local YMCA has played a big part in my life. I went to daycare there, attended many of the special events for kids and families, and took swimming lessons. It was a local hangout and a place to have a good time. Now that I've outgrown the daycare, swim lessons, and most of the kids activities, I like that I can come back and help a new generation of kids have the same great experiences that I did. I volunteer at the YMCA by helping out in all of the same areas I used to know; in th child care center, as an assistant instructor in the swimming program, and at the special events. Volunteering is my way of thanking the YMCA and the community for being such an important part of my life over all these years." -- 17 year old volunteer at the Edison Branch YMCA since spring 2009