WAILUKU— The County of Maui Volunteer Center has teamed up with several youth centers on Maui and Moloka'i to celebrate "Join Hands Day," a national day of service designed to encourage youth and adults to work as equal partners to plan and carry out local volunteer projects to benefit their communities. While the official celebration is held this year on May 3, projects will be held across the U.S. throughout the month of May.

The Volunteer Center offered all county youth centers the opportunity to apply for up to $500 to support their "Join Hands" inter-generational projects. The following youth centers applied for and received County funds: Boys & girls Club, Haiku Clubhouse: $150 for a May 1st beautification project; Boys & Girls Club, West Maui Clubhouse: $500 for a May 3rd painting and planting project; Boys & Girls Club, Central Maui Clubhouse: $500 for stuffed animal project for needy children; and Molokai Youth Center: $500 for a May 10th environmental and cultural work day at the Molokai Alii pond.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui Inc. Chief Executive Officer Colin Hanlon said that the club leaders and members are very proud to be a part of this partnership with the County of Maui and its Volunteer Center.

"The 'Join Hands' Day brings together our youth, non-profit agencies, our local government, businesses and other service groups to help create a better Maui for all," Hanlon noted.

For more information on 'Join Hands' Day projects or the Volunteer Center, call Wendy Stebbins, Volunteer Center Coordinator at 808-270-7150 or e-mail wendy.stebbins@mauicounty.gov.

The Volunteer Center is designed to meet local community needs by promoting the engagement of all residents and visitors in volunteerism, and supporting local volunteer organizations, including nonprofits, churches, agencies and civic groups. The center is administered by the Department of Housing and Human Concerns and is located at One Main Plaza, 2200 Main St. Suite 601.