Community Corner

Chelsea Sixth Grader Finalist for Youth Volunteer of the Year Award

Compelled to act when she saw homeless people huddled without proper outdoor gear in the winter, young Emily Torrance went to work with Scarves for the Homeless, which raises money to help agencies serve the homeless.

Emily Torrance of Chelsea is only in sixth grade, but her grown-up volunteer work to help Michigan's homeless population made her one of five finalists for Gov. Rick Snyder’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award.

She is among 40 finalists for various 2014 Governor's Service Awards. The finalists have been selected from more than 160 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide for their commitment to volunteer service.

“Michigan’s comeback relies on volunteers across the state making a difference in their communities and I’m pleased to honor those who have gone above and beyond in this effort,” said Snyder. “These 40 finalists exemplify what it means to get involved, do something and have a positive impact on our great state. I want to commend and thank them for their service.”

Find out what's happening in Chelseawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Governor’s Service Awards recipients will be honored during a special ceremony titled "An Evening with the Stars" Monday, June 30 at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. During the ceremony, one overall winner in each category will be announced. The event will also feature musical entertainment by Toppermost, a Beatles Tribute Band.

The 40 outstanding volunteer finalists are being honored in one of eight different award categories that reflect the diverse nature of volunteers throughout Michigan. The award categories are: Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award; Corporate Community Leader Award; Mentor of the Year Award; Volunteer of the Year Award; Senior Volunteer of the Year Award; Youth Volunteer of the Year Award; Outstanding National Service Program Award; and Outstanding Volunteer Program Award.

Find out what's happening in Chelseawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Youth Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes that olunteer service that begins at an early age is often carried forward throughout life. That is why a young person who is taking action to make his or her community a better place is honored with this award. Nominees in this category are ages 21 and younger. They may be involved with many activities or give significant time to one particular cause. Other finalists are:

  • Demitrius Heard of Bloomfield Hills

  • Carley Dole of Shelbyville

  • Mike Funkhouser of Jackson

  • Evan Kennard of Vassar

  • Why Emily Torrance  is a Finalist

    Having witnessed the homeless living outside during the winter, she sprang into action to make a difference in their lives by helping them be more comfortable during the cold winter months. 

    In the fall of 2013, Emily started Scarves for the Homeless, making and selling scarves at her school, local businesses and events and through online orders. The money raised goes toward buying high performance outdoor clothing and gear for the homeless population in Ann Arbor through MISSION A2 and Camp Take Notice. 

    So far she has raised nearly $1,000 and purchased multiple sleeping bags, duffle bags, winter boots and socks. Emily’s compassion and generous acts of kindness proves that anyone at any age can make a difference.

    >> A full list of the 40 finalists – individuals, businesses and nonprofit groups – is available here.


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