NORWICH – Since 2008, the Chenango County United Way’s Youth Philanthropy Council has had a significant influence in local non-profit organizations while also teaching youth the impact of philanthropy and leadership.

Now in its fourth year, the 12 high school juniors and seniors who make up the YPC are getting monetary support from the United Way and the Community Foundation for South Central New York and learning about the necessary procedures of funding yet another worthy cause.

This year, the YPC is responsible for distributing $10,000 to local non-profits. In the past, students have aimed to help agencies in the areas of mental and physical health, educating low-income families, and encouraging productive members of the county. Previous grant recipients include the Catholic Charities of Chenango County, Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network, The Place and Opportunities for Chenango.

This year, the council’s focus is on programs that encourage healthy lifestyles and bettering the quality of life in Chenango.

“This gives us a chance to show that we like our community,” said Patty McNeil, a YPC member who sees the Youth Philanthropy Council as a chance to show pride in the Norwich area. Many of the members agreed that this sense of community pride is needed to keep young people in the area after graduating high school or to encourage them to return to the area after college.