Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS) Basking Ridge Branch Wins Branch of the Year

The Basking Ridge branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States (AYLUS), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to community service and volunteering, has recently been named as one of the branches of the year for helping serve the community around us since 2016. Out of 180 branches throughout the country, only 10 were selected, and the Basking Ridge branch is honored to receive such an award, demonstrating the commitment of the members that volunteer within the organization. The organization is a place where members can bond with each other as well as with the people they help to serve.

Yihao Zeng, Director of Multicultural Events for AYLUS’ Basking Ridge chapter, calls volunteering “an incredible journey of bridging cultures and empowering our community” and is thankful “for every smile, story, and connection made along the way.”

Students from all ages participate in many events throughout the course of the year, allowing for the emergence of the branch as a local symbol of hope and aid. Throughout the year, student volunteers gave up their free time to serve in weekly programs, which include the iPad Club and Tech Support, occurring on Sundays and Mondays respectively. They occur at the local senior centers in Basking Ridge, and are places where the elderly residents can find answers to technology problems, allowing them to develop and learn digital tools and skills that would be harder to pick up. And, to the local senior living homes, our volunteers also partake in concerts that occur every few months, performing and entertaining the elderly residents though a variety of instrumental performances and dances. AYLUS also hosts Bernards Township cultural diversity events twice a year, in partnership with the Bernards Chinese American Association, and performs in the Bernards Township annual Charter Day.

AYLUS volunteers don’t just serve within the organization’s programs either. Local programs, such as the PEC, or the YMCA’s Saturdays in Motion (SIM) are programs in which AYLUS’s volunteers actively partake in, and members aid special needs kids on the spectrum in physical activities. These special programs allow our members to learn how to treat others in need, and develop confidence in helping others. The programs also include larger groups of people, contributing towards developing social skills as well as confidence. The organization also supports local food banks and art centers throughout the year. The final program that AYLUS participates in is the annual Good Grief 5K Run & Walk, which is dedicated to helping family and friends going through the loss of a relative or friend.

The president of the organization, Angelina Gao, admits that “Serving as the president of AYLUS has been an incredible opportunity. Not only am I able to work with an amazing community of committed volunteers, but I also get to form and foster stronger connections with others in the Basking Ridge community.” One of Gao’s favorite activities is helping out with technology at Fellowship Village—as she puts it, “it’s great to give back and to hear the life stories of the seniors!”

AYLUS credits its success to its amazing members and volunteers that persevere and dedicate their time and efforts to helping the people in their community, and is incredibly thankful for all the support it receives locally and for its recognition as one of the branches of the year. Through all its programs, the branch has grown from a small group to a big community where everyone continues to grow and to thrive. Once again, Basking Ridge is honored to be recognized as one of the branches of the year.