Youth Volunteer Honored by The Gateway Family YMCA

Union, NJ, November 07, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Gateway Family YMCA - Five Points Branch honored Laurence (Larry) Manalo, a dedicated Youth Volunteer, as 2017 Youth Volunteer of the Year, at the 17th annual New Jersey YMCA State Alliance Recognition Celebration Event on October 19th at Forsgate Country Club in Jamesburg, NJ. Larry, a Junior attending Union High School, has been an active member and volunteer at the Five Points Branch for many years. He has dedicated many hours to volunteering and making a difference in the lives of the youth and teen program participants at the YMCA.

Larry was a youth member of The Gateway Family YMCA for many years, participating in the Basketball Program and Teen Personal Training. Volunteering in Basketball Classes and Friday Rookie Sports, Larry has always acted in a professional and mature manner, serving as a role model for the children, working in cooperation with YMCA staff.

“Larry has been a steady volunteer in our youth programs at the Five Points Branch. Children in the program look up to Larry as a role model and he has grown tremendously as a coach and leader, and we are excited for Larry’s future with the YMCA,” stated Danielle Cioffi, District Executive Director.

“Volunteers are at the heart of the YMCA, providing positive impact to the communities they serve, stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance annually hosts the event to highlight YMCA initiatives and recognize those who have shown leadership and support for New Jersey YMCAs in one of three focus areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Honorees in 2017 included Governor and Mrs. Codey and Governor Thomas Kean. Larry was joined by other Youth Volunteers honored from YMCAs across the state for their dedication to improving the lives of others and their impact in the community.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.

For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, visit www.tgfymca.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, please contact the Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Elizabeth Branch 908-355-9622, Rahway Branch 908-388-0057, Wellness Center Branch 908-349-9622 or WISE Center YMCA Branch 908-687-2995.