We wanted to share with you a wonderful letter which we received from the Salvation Army in Zanesville, OH. Please click on the image to view full size.

ZANESVILLE -- In the midst of the holiday season's traditional spirit of giving, Shawn Torres is grateful he stumbled on a group that embodies this spirit year-round.

"I wanted to donate my free time to a good cause and give back to the community," he said.

Torres is new to the fold of the Zanesville Jaycees, but he's already experienced a wealth of rewards in his eight months with the nonprofit service organization.

"This impacts local families," he said. "A lot of good things happen so we can send things back out to the community. I know the fireworks (Stars and Stripes on the River) are a big thing, and so is this."

On Dec. 13, Torres experienced his first Christmas for Kids shopping tour to help children buy gifts for family members.

"I don't have any kids, but this was fun to watch them shop," he said. "Some knew exactly what they wanted."

Children Services referred 23 children to the Jaycees this year. Various fundraising events throughout the year -- including the Christmas for Kids Golf Outing -- helped fund the shopping trip at the Maple Avenue Wal-Mart and wrapping party at the club house featuring pizza from Domino's and a visit from Santa.

"The kids love it; they're excited about it all day," Jaycees President Shawn Antritt said. "It's nice to spread holiday cheer."

"I've been getting a lot of thank-yous from the kids, and that's nice to hear," three-year member Kyle Woerner said. "It's a good time. I like giving back to people, and there's always something going on with the Jaycees. I've also helped with Meals on Wheels and C-Day."

The Jaycees participate in various community events, fundraisers and volunteer efforts, including golf outings, scholarship giveaways to students, the Independence Day fireworks display known as Stars and Stripes on the River, donating items to the city of Zanesville and Zanesville Police Department, raffles, and donations to other charitable organizations. Other annual favorites include the C-Day collection for the Salvation Army and deliveries of meals to the homebound through Christ's Table on Thanksgiving.

"It's a mix of older and new activities," Antritt said. "It's getting harder to raise money, so we're trying to think of different things we can do. This year was the first for our Christmas for Kids golf outing. It raised about $1,000, a pretty good success.

"Our members also help out at the Jaycees Golf Course," he said. "We're always looking for new members. It's a good group of guys that love their community and want to support it by helping out any way they can. Right now we have about 25 members, and we're part of the Junior Chamber, with members under 40 years old."

Club Vice President Matt Joseph and Treasurer Jesse Rollins saw this organization as a perfect fit for themselves.

"I like the networking and meeting younger people in the business community," said Joseph, who is a three-year member.

"I moved here four years ago and made friends with these guys," Rollins said. "It's a great way to meet people. We do it all. People think it takes up a lot of time, but it's two meetings a month. And most employers like to see their employees involved in different things. The community benefits from this."

The Zanesville Jaycees completed another successful shopping trip with "in need" families in the local community. Keeping with our tradition our members take kids shopping at Walmart to pick out presents for members of the childs immediate family. They then all go back to the Jaycees clubhouse and wrap the gifts. The children are then treated to a pizza party and a visit from Santa. Finally, they each receive their own gift from the Jaycees.

Click to view a complete slideshow from the event

Spending time with loved ones is important to Scott Dunn, but so is putting a smile on the face of someone in need.

With boxes in hand, Dunn loaded up his truck and prepared to hit the road to deliver some holiday cheer and meals to local homebound residents.

"It's your duty," he said. "If you can give back to the community and enjoy helping people, you should. And these people are so appreciative."

Dunn was one of the Zanesville Jaycees members who gathered Saturday morning at Christ's Table to lend a helping hand with the organization's Thanksgiving meal deliveries. Club president Shawn Antritt said this has been an annual activity for at least the past 20 years.

"It's nice to help out and let the regular drivers have the day off with their families," Antritt said.

"They're the real heroes because they do this every day," Dunn said. "I hope my children will want to do the same thing I'm doing."

Antritt said 15 members were out in six trucks delivering 156 meals along various routes throughout the city. This accounted for about half of the total meals served Thursday through Christ's Table. With 191 meals served inside, the grand total was 347 meals. That's slightly more than the usual 300 to 325 served each year.

"Being a Jaycees member, this is a special treat for us, to bring joy to everyone," he said. "I'm proud of the Jaycees, and I know all the guys enjoy it."

Christ's Table Executive Director Keely Warden always is taken aback by the community's generosity, such as the Jaycees' actions.

"This shows their commitment," she said. "It's still overwhelming to me. This is my first year here for Thanksgiving, but I look forward to seeing our regulars and giving them Thanksgiving hugs. These meals are made with love, and it's important to Tina (Adolph, kitchen coordinator) that people have homemade meals."

The dine-in meal crowd began filtering in throughout the morning, but before they were served at festively decorated tables the many volunteers for the day were hard at work. Three, two-hour shifts with about 12 volunteers each worked in the kitchen to set up, pack meals and prepare to serve them. The well-oiled machine made sure delivery meals featured the perfect amounts of turkey, potatoes, vegetables and the rest of the trimmings.

Distributing turkey into meal trays, Lora Young started a holiday tradition.

"We just want to give back and pay it forward, and we plan on doing the same thing for the Christmas dinner here on Dec. 23," she said. "This is awesome. The shut-ins get a nice holiday meal, and it's good for people to come in and get a hot meal, too."

Warden said it warmed her heart to see the kitchen volunteers' camaraderie and willingness to step in where needed.

"The smiles on that side of the counter are just as precious as on this side," she said "They're doing something good, and they believe in what we're doing here."

For more than 50 years, the Zanesville Jaycees group has sponsored the C-Day collection day. Originally called Can Day, C-Day encompasses greater material needs around the holidays. It normally is the first Saturday in December but was changed to Nov. 12 to get a head start on the Salvation Army's collection and distribution effort.

Club treasurer Jesse Rollins said the event was a success, possibly the best one yet, with 20 to 25 truckloads of items dropped off throughout the day.

Although this helped make a dent, the Salvation Army has other needs, as well, including volunteers to help with food preparation for Thanksgiving dinner, canned food, desserts such as pies, money and turkeys. Capt. Diane Campbell said the organization served about 800 people in 2010, which requires more than 60 turkeys. Forty-eight turkeys already have been donated.

Congratulations to our 2011 Scholarship Winners!

Pictured from left to right: Sadie Dietrick, Monica Westerheide, Scott Dunn (Jaycees), Mayor "Butch" Zwelling, Shawn Antritt (Jaycees), Jordan Ashby, and Victoria Valent.

Click here to learn more about our scholarship program, view more details on our current and past winners and even download an applicaton.

Cameron Taylor was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma on June 27, 2010. Cameron turned 8 on July 11th and had undergone several rounds of Chemotherapy from the time of diagnosis to early September. Cameron has done amazing through this process.

The Zanesville Jaycees were contacted in regards to a "Celebration of Cameron's Courage" and were intrigued to help. Our members unanimously agreed to purchase a laptop which will aid in Cameron's school work and development. Cameron is pictured above coming to the Jaycees clubhouse to receive his computer.

Our 4th of July Celebration is just around the corner and billboards are going up all over town...

Memorial Fest 2011

Memorial Fest 2011

Memorial Fest 2011

Zane's landing park filled up fast this afternoon.

Bikes rolled in as the Memorial Weekend got underway. The Zanesville Jaycees hosted an evening of food, drinks and entertainment for the public.

"In the past we've had one to two hundred people," said Shawn Ancritt, President of the Zanesville Jaycee'. " We are bring in a larger band this year, we are hoping that will bring more people out in the community, we have a beautiful day for the event."

The band performing was Chllin Sun, flown in from New York. The bands lead singer wrote the hit song "We All Die Young" for the movie Rockstar and has written songs for Slaughter.

Antritt said, "This is our third annual event, it brings alot of people out, it's good for the community. "

All money raised will go towards Jacyee scholarships and other activities. The Jaycees said, they are looking forward to sponsoring the Fourth of July fireworks later this summer.

Christmas Shopping 2010

Christmas Shopping 2010

Christmas Shopping 2010

Christmas Shopping 2010

Once again the Zanesville Jaycees opened their hearts and clubhouse to help out some special children in Muskingum county. Each year Muskingum County Childrens Services helps select children who can use some assistance purchasing Christmas presents for their family.

The Zanesville Jaycees arrage for transportation to Wal-Mart where each child is helped in selecting gifts for each member of their household. We then take the gifts back to the Jaycees clubhouse where the children enjoy a pizza party and help wrap their gifts.

It must be that sense of Christmas spirit and community involvement that draws St. Nick to the festivities because once the last present is wrapped and last slice of pizza is eaten Santa Clause arrives to pass out gifts to all participating children.

Shawn Antritt, Jaycees President said "This is truly one of our most heart warming events of the year. It just really gets us all into the holdiay spirit."

Total expense to operate this event topped $3,300 for 2010

C-Day 2010

C-Day 2010

C-Day 2010

Collection day brings convenience for those wanting to donate.

Today's annual C-Day brought together the Zanesville Jaycees and Z-92. During this event, people had the chance to donate canned goods, clothing, and even toys to The Salvation Army. With the help of Z-92's Alan Tangey, contributors had the chance to call in and have their donations picked up by volunteers.

"It helps support the community. It helps support our local charities. It makes things a little more convenient for the public to give where they don't have to take things down, we can do that for them," said President of Zanesville Jaycees David Mortimer.

Mortimer says last year around 75 calls were taken, but this year, the Jaycees hope to aim higher.

"We certainly hope the community comes forward today and calls in so we can take some things to The Salvation Army, hopefully we can hit 100 this year, that's our goal," said Mortimer.

Donations are still being accepted. You can call 1-800-958-7825 to schedule a pick up or to find a drop off location.

Left to right - Dave Mortimer, president, Officer Mark Stoffer, Jason Heins, board member, Scott Dunn, board member. Stoffer was this year's recipient of an X-26 Taser Gun awarded to him by the Zanesville Jaycees.This was the Zanesville Jaycees second annual 2010 Law Enforcement Award.The Jaycees also purchased six extra Taser cartridges for the force to distribute.

Stars & Stripes 2009

Stars & Stripes 2009

Stars & Stripes 2009

ZANESVILLE -- The heat and humidity did not stop thousands from attending the Stars and Stripes on the River at Zane Landing Park Sunday.

Kenny Forsythe, who is with the Old Boy Bikers Club, said he was thrilled to give away more than 100 bikes during the day.

"We gave away any kind of bike you could imagine," Forsythe said. "We gave everything from tricycles to 26-inch bikes. The kids just got a ticket, and the first 109 got a free bike. There were smiles all around."

In 2009, the group gave away 67 bikes, and Forsythe said he hopes in 2011 the bike giveaway will be even larger.

"We're also probably going to be giving away about $9,500 in cash this year," Forsythe said. "We've been giving away $100 an hour, and it's been great."

The park was filled with young and old, enjoying the food, music, rides and looking forward to the almost half-hour show of fireworks when it turned dark.

Brock Border, 3, of Somerset, was with his brother, Brody, 7, and both boys said they most enjoy the loud noises the fireworks make.

The boys' grandparents, Ron and Cindy Sowers, of Zanesville, said the Fourth of July is a time to remember our freedom and to show support for our troops, here and overseas.

Cassidy Wiler, 7, of Zanesville, wearing a red and white sundress, said she'd rather watch the fireworks for the colors. Red is Cassidy's favorite.

Being with friends is what Craig Nelson, 8, of Zanesville, said he thinks is the best thing about the holiday.

Giovanni Wood, 2, his face painted with red and blue fireworks, wasn't looking forward to the loud noises, but Alyssa Smith, 10, a big purple butterfly painted on her face, said she likes the fireworks that spread out, especially the purple-colored ones.

The Stotts siblings, Dalton, 2, Olivia, 4, and Dacota, 5, all said they liked the big sounds and big booms the fireworks make.

Sitting near the river, Ruth Bowman, of Zanesville, said she has been coming to the park for years and loves to see the fireworks, but believes the holiday is a chance to remember to be proud of the military and appreciate our freedom.

"It means a lot to me when the bands play patriotic songs," Bowman said. "I can't help but tear up."

Gabriella Hooper, 3, of Pataskala, was looking patriotic in her blue and white dress and said she was hoping some of the fireworks would be in her favorite color -- pink.

His left leg in a soft cast, Christian Stone, 5, of Zanesville, was riding in a wagon and not deterred by his broken limb he got from a trampoline accident Friday.

Christian would rather wave the American flag then watch the fireworks, he said, but his sister, Carlee, 3, wanted to try to catch the sparkles as they fell from the sky. And sister, Casa, 8, said she just likes all the blue colors.

Walking to the river south of the park, Larry Lentz, of Blue Rock, said the holiday means a time to remember our freedom and a chance to celebrate with friends. His wife, Cheryl, agreed as did friends, Bud Hardesty and his wife, Martha, of Zanesville.

"It's also a time to honor the veterans and to remember their sacrifices," Martha said.

Skateboarding prior to the firework show, Chance Coddington, 17, of Zanesville, said while the holiday is a good time to hang out with his friends and be with family, it's also a time to remember what the country has done and how the veterans have given so much.

David Mortimer, Jaycees president, said his service club is delighted to sponsor the event each year and said Saturday night had a good attendance and he was very pleased with the thousands that came Sunday.

"It's been a good time," Mortimer said.

Sgt. Chris Rice, of the Zanesville Police Department, said the day had been pretty quiet and his officers hadn't encountered many problems throughout the day at the park.

"It's hot, but things have been good," Rice said.

BY Katie Jeffries • Friday, March 19, 2010 • Zanesville Times Recorder

Jaycees Donation Will Keep Police and Fire Fighters Fit and Trim

A local organization is making sure Zanesville fire fighters and police officers are in prime condition.        The Zanesville Jaycees are donating a brand new treadmill to the Zanesville police and fire department gym. The Jaycees got the idea for the treadmill after donating a taser gun to the police department in Feburary.

"After that was done we just let them know anything they ever need we have money. We can donate anything they need and they have a treadmill here that is about to hit the road, so they said they would need a new treadmill," tells Matt Joseph with the Jaycees.         Joseph says the Jaycees got the treadmill at a great discount from Dunhams. Zanesville fire fighter, Ed Roberts, says the officers and fire fighters are excited to try out the new machine. Staying fit is important in their jobs, but is also good for their health.         "I know for firefighters heart disease is one of the leading causes of on duty death and out on fire scenes out on a fire scene so having the tools here at work is important for all of us," Roberts.         The Jaycees raised money for the treadmill from the Stars and Stripes fundraiser and community donations.

BY STAFF WRITER • FEBRUARY 14, 2010 • Zanesville Times Recorder

ZPD OFFICER AWARDED TASER GUN

Officer Mark Brown was this year's recipient of an X-26 Taser Gun awarded to him by the Zanesville Jaycees, the first 2009 Law Enforcement Award.        The Zanesville Jaycees said giving Brown an important non-lethal tool like the Taser gun is rewarding to the group and community and realize that he, along with all the other officers need tools such as this to not only protect themselves, but also to protect the community and to help keep Zanesville safe.

The Zanesville Jaycees would like to thank Mark Brown and all the other ZPD officers for their continued hard work and their dedication to Zanesville. The Zanesville Jaycees plan to donate a Taser gun and/or other pertinent items to every officer that needs one in the future.

BY HOLLY RICHARDS • STAFF WRITER • DECEMBER 16, 2009 • Zanesville Times Recorder

ZANESVILLE -- On a mission to find entertaining toys for his siblings, Maurice Stewart navigated the aisles at Wal-Mart like a pro.   He knew his brothers would like certain cars and his sister would play with a classic number game.   With Christmas almost a week away, the 9-year-old was eager to get his holiday shopping done with some friends by his side.

Shop For Christmas 2009

Helping him stick to a budget and get the best deals, Scott and Lisa Durant guided Stewart on his Tuesday evening shopping trip to the Maple Avenue Wal-Mart with the Zanesville Jaycees.   "I've been with the Jaycees for 10 years, and I do this every year for the kids," Scott Durant said. "This is my favorite event to do. It means a lot; I like to give back to the community, and it's a good time."   David Mortimer, Jaycees president, said the shopping trip has been held annually for the past 10 or 15 years as a way to help the public and those in need.   "This is our main event that directly involves children, and it's our favorite event as a group -- something that brings smiles to the kids' faces," Mortimer said. "We take children from less fortunate families (through Muskingum County Children Services), and take them shopping for their families at Wal-Mart."   There is usually a $20 to $25 limit per family member. Money is raised through various Jaycees fundraising activities throughout the year such as the Stars and Stripes on the River event around Independence Day.   This year the organization helped 27 children with gift purchases. After the hustle and bustle at the store, the children went to the Jaycees Clubhouse to wrap the presents, eat pizza, and enjoy a visit with Santa where they received their own presents.   "I enjoy seeing the children happy, and for them to be able to go home with presents to put under the tree for their families," Mortimer said. "Anytime we can make children smile is great. We're happy to give back to the community, and we want to continue to stay involved."   With only a few people on her list to shop for, it was easy and fun for 6-year-old Jersey Frankenvery to finish up her shopping with the help of Bruce Crabtree.   "I just joined Jaycees last year and I wanted to get involved in something community-oriented," Crabtree said. "This is my first time shopping with them, and I think it's a great thing for the kids."   Lisa Durant said the effort also gives Jaycees members a chance to recapture their youth.   "It's so beneficial to them, and they get so much out of it; they get to experience Christmas through the kids' eyes again," she said. "And that's what Christmas is all about -- the kids."   hrichards@nncogannett.com; (740) 450-6772

The Zanesville Jaycee's has already sponsored 2 local children through the Adopt-A-Child christmas program and are working on 4 more.

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