Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading to Host Second Annual 5K Walk for Compassion

From Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading, VOiCEup Berks

On Sunday, Sept. 7, over 100 community members will gather at Alvernia University (start and finish at The PLEX Building) for the second annual Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) 5K Walk for Compassion, a community-wide event that is part of a nationwide weekend of action uniting YVC programs across the country. Locally, the event is being sponsored by VOiCEup Berks and Utilities Employees Credit Union.

The YVC Walk for Compassion celebrates the power of young people to create positive change. Funds raised will directly support VOiCEup Berks and Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading, which has engaged local youth in over 55,000 hours of service to the Berks County community over the past nine years.

“This event is about so much more than just walking,” said Lindsay Sites, Program Director for YVC of Reading. “It’s about youth, families, and neighbors joining together to take a stand for compassion — and in today’s world, that’s something we all need more of.”

Greg Cosgrove, Marketing Manager of Utilities Employees Credit Union, shared, “At UECU, we believe that service strengthens our communities, and supporting Youth Volunteer Corps and VOICEup Berks can make a lasting impact on our youth. With each step we take together, we can all make a difference. Please join us for the walk and help us share kindness across our community.”

Registration will open at 9 a.m. The walk will start at 10 a.m. and follow a gorgeous, non-competitive route — half trail, half campus — that includes both paved and unpaved sections, rolling hills, and beautiful short stretches of the Angelica Creek Trail. Participants are invited to form teams with friends, family, or coworkers, and a friendly fundraising challenge will spotlight the top fundraising teams. Registered fund-raising participants will also receive YVC Walk for Compassion t-shirts.

Register or donate at yvc.org/campaign/yvcreadingwalk. Proceeds from the event will fund YVC of Reading’s year-round youth service projects, which range from environmental cleanups to food insecurity initiatives to mentoring younger students. The program not only addresses community needs but also helps young people develop leadership skills, empathy, and a lifelong commitment to service.

“I am thrilled to be part of this year’s Walk for Compassion. It is an exceptional event unifying all ages of volunteers in our community,” added Athena Worley, Wilson High School Junior and YVC participant. “Walking for compassion means walking for a future where kindness and community matter. We’re excited to lead the way.”

For more information, to register, or to sponsor the walk, visit yvc.org/campaign/yvcreadingwalk or contact info@voiceupberks.org.

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Source: bctv