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DAYTON, OH-- The Dayton Christian Center (DXC) has joined the Disney Parks Give A Day. Get A Disney Day. volunteer incentive program, according to the organization's Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, Betsy Fox.
The program, Fox said, was developed by Disney Parks to encourage people to volunteer in ways that will benefit their communities and contribute to the quality of living there. It rewards community volunteer service by giving a voucher for one day's free admittance to a Disney theme park. These vouchers are limited to one voucher per person, Fox said.
"It's a way to get families together and to go out into their communities and, in return, get a free ticket to a Disney theme park," Fox said. "And, if they can't use it or decide they don't want to use it, the ticket can be donated." She said it cannot be transferred to another individual, but there is a list of organizations on the website to which the voucher can be donated.
The program is open to anyone over the age of 18 and to children of volunteers, Fox said, and entire families are encouraged to register. Children between the ages of 6 and 18 are eligible for a park voucher, but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during any volunteer activity.
Registration can be completed by visiting the Disney Parks website and clicking on the "Search and Sign Up" button at the top of the web page. From there, they will be asked to enter their zip code and to choose areas of interest. There is also a box to check for opportunities that include children along with parents.
When a person chooses an opportunity on the DaytonChristianCenter's list, Fox said, an email is sent to her and she must contact that individual within 72 hours. Normally, Fox said, she tries to contact the volunteers by phone, but also makes use of email. A date will be scheduled for the volunteer service. When it is completed, Fox notifies Disney Parks and the voucher is sent to the volunteer. The program will last until December 15, 2010 or until the vouchers are gone. Disney Parks has a goal of getting one million people to volunteer this year.
"The neat thing is that they don't have to wait until they volunteer," Fox said. "[The ticket] will be reserved as soon as their registration is completed." She added that the voucher will not be sent out, however, until she verifies that the individuals who registered have actually completed the day's service.
DXC has a number of volunteer opportunities, Fox said, and it is easy to register and volunteer.
"DaytonChristianCenter operates several daycare rooms at out site at
1352 Riverview Ave, "she said. "As part of that care, we provide each child with three meals every day, so we have opportunities for those who want to help with the children and in the kitchen. They can also work with the kids doing crafts and art projects."But, she added, there are many other ways to help out. Fox said that the Center is involved in reorganizing its Administrative Offices at the Riverview location and is in need of help to with some light cleaning, maintenance, and getting the new offices set up, along with doing some office work such as data entry and filing.
But the one of the areas the center needs the most help in is with its VITA program, Fox said.
That program the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers help to families or individuals in need of tax filing. That program will start up in early February and will continue through the April 15 filing deadline.
"This would be a really good way for someone who knows about filing tax returns to help out in the community and get something in return," Fox said. "We have quite a few volunteer openings in this area."
But, she said, the Center is open to anyone who wants to be of service to the community.
Fox said DXC decided to get involved with the Disney program because of its new vision and commitment to the community in new ways.
"[This is a] new year and a new year brings new opportunities to reach out with new programs," she said. "This is an easy way to reach out to others and let them know we appreciate them for volunteering."
Additionally, she said that she hopes that people find their own reward in volunteering
"Volunteering is a great thing to do and I'm really glad that Disney came up with a way for people to get something back, but I hope they enjoy their work enough that they will want to come back and continue to volunteer with us," Fox said.
She said more information on the "Give A Day, Get A Disney Day" program, or to register, people may visit the website at DisneyParks.com. For more information on volunteering with the DaytonChristianCenter, she recommended people contact her directly at 937-275-7174 or at bfox@daytonchristiancenter.org.
DaytonChristianCenter is a faith-based community center founded by the National Ministries American Baptist Churches USA in 1921 and is one of 19 similar centers nationwide with the mission of enriching and empowering lives, one choice at a time. For more information on the DaytonChristianCenter and its programs and services, call the Center at 937-275-7174 or at daytonchristiancenter.org.
