NORWICH – The YMCA Leaders’ Club is off and running with its first volunteer community project – a clothing drive that will assist in the efforts of Roots and Wings.

The clothing drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Norwich Family YMCA. Volunteers will be accepting donations of old jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, boots or any other article of used or unwanted clothing. The Leaders’ Club will then pass on the donated items to Catholic Charities’ Roots and Wings, where they’ll be distributed to the needy.

The YMCA Leaders’ Club was re-established in September after losing support more than a decade ago. The organization is a chance for youth, grades 6-12, to show that their commitment and hard work can have a positive impact on the area. All the clubs’ projects are orchestrated by its 13 members who wish to take an initiative in helping the public. Members say they are grateful for the opportunity they have to make a social contribution.

“It’s important for them to learn how to give back,” said Group Advisor Tracy Maynard. “The whole point of them volunteering is to learn how to give back to the community.”