Does Treasure Our Youth have a physical location?
Treasure Our Youth (TOY) nonprofit organization does not yet have a physical office where our TOY members work. However, TOY has a P.O box address that is in use.
If you are a visitor and would like to meet with the President or a member of the team, please contact us right away to get you setup with the person(s) you intend to speak with.
Our mailing address where you can send donations, checks and completed forms to year round is 5210 Tyler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
If you are a visitor and would like to meet with the President or a member of the team, please contact us right away to get you setup with the person(s) you intend to speak with.
Our mailing address where you can send donations, checks and completed forms to year round is 5210 Tyler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021
what youth programs do you offer?
Our programs and projects are primarily for youth between the ages of 10 and 21. Certain programs are age and gender-based in order to focus on different areas and stages of life for each group of youths.
Youth 4 Arts (Y4A) Program
Subprograms and Projects
One Voice
Purpose: Self-Expression in Music, Singing, Poetry, Comedy
One Voice is a project within our Youth 4 Arts program designed to develop and magnify the powerful voices of youths ages 13 to 21. This Y4A program project gives teens and young adults an opportunity to tell their stories, build confidence and express their creative selves through instruments, comedy, and their native music of Reggae and Dancehall. One Voice will help develop critical thinking, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-confidence and teamwork.
Youth Enrichment and Leadership Program (YELP)
Subprograms and Projects
Treasure Club
Purpose: Leadership Development Opportunities
This unique project provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities, both in and out of the Club. Treasure Club is an ultimate teen project for youths ages 13 to 19. This project focuses on academic success, career preparation and community service.
The Girls Project
Purpose: Giving Girls Confidence
The Girls Project provides health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for girls ages 13 to 21. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, our Girls Project dolls will explore their own attitudes, determine their values, and learn best practices for societal pressures. Our effort is to guide and teach young girls the importance of self-love, self-respect, and sisterhood.
Certificate to Manhood
Purpose: Teaching Boys Responsibility
Certificate to Manhood teaches responsibility to boys ages 11 to 18 with sessions that focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. This is a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. It will also encourage young boys to refrain from gang affiliation, drugs and violence.
Smart Choices
Purpose: Teaching Responsible Behavior
Smart Choices is a community awareness program designed to inform parents, teens and educators about the risks of premature and irresponsible sexual activity, gang involvement, drug and alcohol abuse and misuse, and to empower communities to address these serious problems.
Youth ages 10 to 21 engage in discussions and role-playing where they practice resilience and refusal skills, develop assertiveness, strengthen their decision-making and examine social media and peer influence.
Community's Choice Award
Purpose: Premier Recognition Experience
Community's Choice Award is TOY's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of neighborhood teens and young adults ages 14 to 21. During this program, the Community's Choice Award Dinner recognizes community youths who have overcome personal challenges and obstacles with outstanding contributions to their family, school, and community. The Choice Award encourages teenagers to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.
Money Matters Program
Purpose: Promote Financial Literacy
Our Money Matters program promotes financial literacy, responsibility, and independence among youths ages 13 to 21. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college. Those who complete the Money Matters program will show improvement in money management and understand how to pay bills, manage debt and credit, borrow and save money responsibly, and how and why to invest and plan for their future.
Youth Education Support (YES)
Programs and Projects
Toy Scholarship Fund
Purpose: Provide Continued Support
Our TOY Scholarship Fund will provide financial help to 7 youths, aged 12-20, who live in the local community, to access and succeed in higher education. We will also provide continuing support for those who benefit from the scholarship and empower them to maintain a high level of excellence in the classroom.
Student of the Month
The objective of the Student of the Month program is to promote success in and out of the classroom. We offer two awards - one for 6th-12th grade students and one for kindergarten to 5th grade students. This program celebrates individual achievements by sustaining a culture of learning that not only values academic success, but emphasizes positive qualities in youth such as their character, leadership, and citizenship. The Student of the Month program will elevate awareness of student contributions to their local community at large.
Back-to-School
Treasure Our Youth knows that many families in the local community live below the poverty line and their children arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. Treasure Our Youth has created our Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway to deliver school supplies to students in need with the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom. Providing school supplies to children in need is one of TOY’s most important programs, because being successful in school starts with having the right supplies!
Youth Community Service Projects (YCSP)
Projects and Events
Annual Community Health Fair
The health fair is a community one-stop-shop offering a wealth of information on individual high blood pressure levels, glucose levels, dental hygiene, and more for people of all ages. Community resource booths will be stationed at the Health Fair to include information on food services, job recruitment, college readiness, personal finance and public safety, fire safety and much more.
Community Service Hours
The Hundred Members, Hundred Hours of Service initiative aims to engage 100 youths
ages 13-21 in community service projects each year, with each donating at least 100 hours of service annually. Young people who engage in this program do better in school, maintain positive relationships with adults and avoid risky behavior.
Learn more about more of our programs and what each program entail.
Youth 4 Arts (Y4A) Program
Subprograms and Projects
One Voice
Purpose: Self-Expression in Music, Singing, Poetry, Comedy
One Voice is a project within our Youth 4 Arts program designed to develop and magnify the powerful voices of youths ages 13 to 21. This Y4A program project gives teens and young adults an opportunity to tell their stories, build confidence and express their creative selves through instruments, comedy, and their native music of Reggae and Dancehall. One Voice will help develop critical thinking, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-confidence and teamwork.
Youth Enrichment and Leadership Program (YELP)
Subprograms and Projects
Treasure Club
Purpose: Leadership Development Opportunities
This unique project provides leadership development opportunities for youth to participate in activities, both in and out of the Club. Treasure Club is an ultimate teen project for youths ages 13 to 19. This project focuses on academic success, career preparation and community service.
The Girls Project
Purpose: Giving Girls Confidence
The Girls Project provides health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement for girls ages 13 to 21. Through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips and mentoring opportunities with adult women, our Girls Project dolls will explore their own attitudes, determine their values, and learn best practices for societal pressures. Our effort is to guide and teach young girls the importance of self-love, self-respect, and sisterhood.
Certificate to Manhood
Purpose: Teaching Boys Responsibility
Certificate to Manhood teaches responsibility to boys ages 11 to 18 with sessions that focus on a specific aspect of character and manhood through highly interactive activities. This is a targeted effort to engage young boys in discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership and positive behavior. It will also encourage young boys to refrain from gang affiliation, drugs and violence.
Smart Choices
Purpose: Teaching Responsible Behavior
Smart Choices is a community awareness program designed to inform parents, teens and educators about the risks of premature and irresponsible sexual activity, gang involvement, drug and alcohol abuse and misuse, and to empower communities to address these serious problems.
Youth ages 10 to 21 engage in discussions and role-playing where they practice resilience and refusal skills, develop assertiveness, strengthen their decision-making and examine social media and peer influence.
Community's Choice Award
Purpose: Premier Recognition Experience
Community's Choice Award is TOY's premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of neighborhood teens and young adults ages 14 to 21. During this program, the Community's Choice Award Dinner recognizes community youths who have overcome personal challenges and obstacles with outstanding contributions to their family, school, and community. The Choice Award encourages teenagers to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities.
Money Matters Program
Purpose: Promote Financial Literacy
Our Money Matters program promotes financial literacy, responsibility, and independence among youths ages 13 to 21. Participants learn how to manage a checking account, create a budget, save and invest, start small businesses and pay for college. Those who complete the Money Matters program will show improvement in money management and understand how to pay bills, manage debt and credit, borrow and save money responsibly, and how and why to invest and plan for their future.
Youth Education Support (YES)
Programs and Projects
Toy Scholarship Fund
Purpose: Provide Continued Support
Our TOY Scholarship Fund will provide financial help to 7 youths, aged 12-20, who live in the local community, to access and succeed in higher education. We will also provide continuing support for those who benefit from the scholarship and empower them to maintain a high level of excellence in the classroom.
Student of the Month
The objective of the Student of the Month program is to promote success in and out of the classroom. We offer two awards - one for 6th-12th grade students and one for kindergarten to 5th grade students. This program celebrates individual achievements by sustaining a culture of learning that not only values academic success, but emphasizes positive qualities in youth such as their character, leadership, and citizenship. The Student of the Month program will elevate awareness of student contributions to their local community at large.
Back-to-School
Treasure Our Youth knows that many families in the local community live below the poverty line and their children arrive on the first day of school without the supplies they need to learn. Treasure Our Youth has created our Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway to deliver school supplies to students in need with the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom. Providing school supplies to children in need is one of TOY’s most important programs, because being successful in school starts with having the right supplies!
Youth Community Service Projects (YCSP)
Projects and Events
Annual Community Health Fair
The health fair is a community one-stop-shop offering a wealth of information on individual high blood pressure levels, glucose levels, dental hygiene, and more for people of all ages. Community resource booths will be stationed at the Health Fair to include information on food services, job recruitment, college readiness, personal finance and public safety, fire safety and much more.
Community Service Hours
The Hundred Members, Hundred Hours of Service initiative aims to engage 100 youths
ages 13-21 in community service projects each year, with each donating at least 100 hours of service annually. Young people who engage in this program do better in school, maintain positive relationships with adults and avoid risky behavior.
Learn more about more of our programs and what each program entail.
how do i become an international volunteer?
Treasure Our Youth is happy to welcome valuable volunteers who play an important role in helping us achieve our mission to offer a range of life-enchaining programs that empowers and encourages youth to achieve positive growth and development, improve expectations and capacities for future success, and avoid and/or reduce risk-taking behavior.
The wide range of volunteer opportunities available include event preparation and breakdown, serving food, guest check-ins, car washes, chocolate bar fundraising, event photography, and international opportunities. Please be advised that we take annual trips to Jamaica every August where volunteer opportunities are available. Volunteers make a difference by contributing valuable skills, talents, personalities and countless hours in order to honor the mission of Treasure Our Youth.
Applications are accepted for volunteer positions from individuals starting at age 16. School-based community service hours and unpaid college internships are available. Volunteer positions may match your interests and/or skills and provide new challenges. You can request to volunteer in an event or fundraiser by submitting our Volunteer Application and Waiver.
Applications are processed in the order in which they are received and it may take a few days to receive a response. Thank you for your patience.
The wide range of volunteer opportunities available include event preparation and breakdown, serving food, guest check-ins, car washes, chocolate bar fundraising, event photography, and international opportunities. Please be advised that we take annual trips to Jamaica every August where volunteer opportunities are available. Volunteers make a difference by contributing valuable skills, talents, personalities and countless hours in order to honor the mission of Treasure Our Youth.
Applications are accepted for volunteer positions from individuals starting at age 16. School-based community service hours and unpaid college internships are available. Volunteer positions may match your interests and/or skills and provide new challenges. You can request to volunteer in an event or fundraiser by submitting our Volunteer Application and Waiver.
Applications are processed in the order in which they are received and it may take a few days to receive a response. Thank you for your patience.
when can i volunteer?
Local Volunteer Opportunities
Treasure Our Youth (TOY) holds several fundraisers and events throughout the year where you can sign up and request to volunteer. Our TOY Event Calendar stays up-to-date with our current and upcoming fundraisers and events.
So that you do not always have to log onto the internet to see our next fundraisers, events, or volunteer opportunities, we encourage you to sign up for our mailing list and automatically be enrolled in our seasonal Newsletter subscription.
International Volunteering
Please be advised that we take annual trips to Jamaica every August where international volunteer opportunities are available.
For 5-7 days in August, TOY rallies up our members and volunteers and fly out to Jamaica where we will reside in a 5-star hotel. Throughout those days, you may choose to volunteer each day or choose which days to give your services. You may choose to volunteer for certain programs and events in your volunteer application.
Please be advised that TOY is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items while on this trip. We ask that you be responsible and highly aware of your belongings and surroundings while volunteering in Jamaica. Please read, sign and return our volunteer waiver via email.
Treasure Our Youth (TOY) holds several fundraisers and events throughout the year where you can sign up and request to volunteer. Our TOY Event Calendar stays up-to-date with our current and upcoming fundraisers and events.
So that you do not always have to log onto the internet to see our next fundraisers, events, or volunteer opportunities, we encourage you to sign up for our mailing list and automatically be enrolled in our seasonal Newsletter subscription.
International Volunteering
Please be advised that we take annual trips to Jamaica every August where international volunteer opportunities are available.
For 5-7 days in August, TOY rallies up our members and volunteers and fly out to Jamaica where we will reside in a 5-star hotel. Throughout those days, you may choose to volunteer each day or choose which days to give your services. You may choose to volunteer for certain programs and events in your volunteer application.
Please be advised that TOY is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items while on this trip. We ask that you be responsible and highly aware of your belongings and surroundings while volunteering in Jamaica. Please read, sign and return our volunteer waiver via email.
what kind of volunteer opportunities do you have?
Our Annual International Missionary Trip
Our international volunteer opportunities vary by year. For example -
Key components of our Community Impact Program include:
Fundraising Events
We also offer volunteer opportunities while operating in South Florida. We hold multiple fundraisers throughout the year where students can receive volunteer hours for school or any other organization requesting volunteer fulfillment. We encourage adults to also partake in volunteering during our fundraising events to help make a difference and have fun!
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information on volunteer opportunities, our progress and efforts, and programs and events.
Our international volunteer opportunities vary by year. For example -
Key components of our Community Impact Program include:
- Annual Community Health Fair (YEAR 1)
- Community Hundred-Hour Service (YEAR 2)
- Reunite & Reconnect Conference (YEAR 3)
Fundraising Events
We also offer volunteer opportunities while operating in South Florida. We hold multiple fundraisers throughout the year where students can receive volunteer hours for school or any other organization requesting volunteer fulfillment. We encourage adults to also partake in volunteering during our fundraising events to help make a difference and have fun!
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information on volunteer opportunities, our progress and efforts, and programs and events.
WHAT KIND OF DONATIONS DO YOU ACCEPT AND NOT ACCEPT?
Treasure Our Youth accepts gifts in many forms. Acceptable donations include:
Monetary Donations
TOY will obtain financial donations by cash or check (with a donation receipt), credit card, Zelle or PayPal. These payment methods can help you keep record of your donations to TOY. Any monetary donation is appreciated with no surface or cap to the amount you desire to give. We encourage all able and willing donors to become a Major Donor by giving $500 or more every year to the organization. As a way to show gratitude and encourage our donors, Treasure Our Youth holds an elegant and memorable event for all major donors at the end of each year.
Goods and Supplies
We accept donated goods and supplies such as clothing and household items that are in good (or better) condition. Below is a list of goods and supplies we accept.
When you donate a vehicle, you have the choice to appoint it to either a youth or family in need, the use for TOY operations, or sold at an auction. If you donate a vehicle, you, or the donor will need to transfer the title of the vehicle to Treasure Our Youth and remove license plates and registration documents before we can accept the car. The car must be clean and in good condition.
Property
You can also donate property or real estate to Treasure Our Youth. The property will be used for your chosen supporting cause such as a computer lab for students or a headquarters business office for Treasure Our Youth. The deed or title should be transferred from you, or the donor to the organization. As the donor, you generally receive a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property and that deduction may be carried forward for five years.
Monetary Donations
TOY will obtain financial donations by cash or check (with a donation receipt), credit card, Zelle or PayPal. These payment methods can help you keep record of your donations to TOY. Any monetary donation is appreciated with no surface or cap to the amount you desire to give. We encourage all able and willing donors to become a Major Donor by giving $500 or more every year to the organization. As a way to show gratitude and encourage our donors, Treasure Our Youth holds an elegant and memorable event for all major donors at the end of each year.
Goods and Supplies
We accept donated goods and supplies such as clothing and household items that are in good (or better) condition. Below is a list of goods and supplies we accept.
- Clothing
- Junior Boys & Men’s Clothing
- Junior Girls & Women’s Clothing
- Kids & Babies Clothing
- Shoes & Socks
- Jewelry
- Hats
- Linen
- Blankets
- comforters
- sheets
- towels
- wash clothes
- Bags
- School backpacks
- Purses
- Duffle bags
- Luggage
- Books (Children, teens, young adults)
- Toys & Games (For ages 5-12)
- Electronics
- Headphones
- Watches
- Computers (or laptops)
- Tablets
- Cameras
- TVs
- Printers
- Portable Speakers
- Sporting Goods
- Balls
- Bats
- Gloves
- Racquets
- Helmets
- Bikes
- Scooters
- Hygiene Products
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Shower gel
- Hand soap
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste & toothbrush
- Pads & tampons
- Band-Aids
- Toilet Paper
- Wipes
- Babies
- Baby bottles
- Baby formula
- Pacifiers
- Bibs
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
When you donate a vehicle, you have the choice to appoint it to either a youth or family in need, the use for TOY operations, or sold at an auction. If you donate a vehicle, you, or the donor will need to transfer the title of the vehicle to Treasure Our Youth and remove license plates and registration documents before we can accept the car. The car must be clean and in good condition.
Property
You can also donate property or real estate to Treasure Our Youth. The property will be used for your chosen supporting cause such as a computer lab for students or a headquarters business office for Treasure Our Youth. The deed or title should be transferred from you, or the donor to the organization. As the donor, you generally receive a tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the property and that deduction may be carried forward for five years.
is it safe for volunteers to travel to jamaica?
Yes. Our on-ground events are secured with several government officials keeping our events free of danger. Volunteering in Jamaica is safe as long as you take common-sense precautions as you would in any foreign place.
Here are some tips for staying safe while traveling and volunteering in Jamaica:
• Be respectful - Respect local culture
• Stick to your group and area of service
• Do not wander off alone or at night
• Use registered transportation
• Secure your belongings
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Travel with a partner
Here are some tips for staying safe while traveling and volunteering in Jamaica:
• Be respectful - Respect local culture
• Stick to your group and area of service
• Do not wander off alone or at night
• Use registered transportation
• Secure your belongings
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Travel with a partner
how can i donate tangible items to jamaica
Handoff Your Donations
If you are a local on the Eastern Coast of South Florida and would like to hand over your donations to a team member, send us an email at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the following items in your email.
Mail Your Donations
If you are looking to donate tangible products to Jamaica, you may mail or ship your gifts to our mailing address at 5210 Tyler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021, USA.
Useful Tips When Donating Heavy Shipments
UPS, FedEx, and USPS all use Dimensional (DIM) factors to determine the DIM weight of oversized packages. Dimensional or DIM weight pricing is a formula that carriers use to determine the cost to ship a package.
If you are shipping an oversized package, DIM weight can increase your shipping charges. When a box weighs 10 pounds but the DIM weight comes out to 15 pounds, you’ll be charged for shipping 15 pounds. If the DIM weight is less than the actual weight of your package, the shipping cost is based on the actual weight.
How to reduce DIM weight charges
There are several ways to reduce dimensional weight charges, however:
For even heavier items, try UPS Ground. The service accepts packages that weigh up to 150 pounds. For very large and heavy items such as furniture, FedEx Freight might save you money on shipping.
Heavy products need to ship in stronger cardboard boxes to stay secure in transit. This can add extra weight and extra cost. You can save by palletizing and shipping products in bulk to a pickup location. This can either be at your brick-and-mortar store or a third-party receiving location.
Rheude, Jake. “The Cheapest Way to Ship Large and Oversized Packages.” Red Stag Fulfillment, April 21, 2021.
If you are a local on the Eastern Coast of South Florida and would like to hand over your donations to a team member, send us an email at [email protected]. Please be sure to include the following items in your email.
- Full name
- Organization or corporation (if any)
- Phone number
- Pick-up location and address (a pickup time will be determined between both parties)
- Type of donations and quantity (Ex: I would like to donate school supplies to Treasure Our Youth which contains 50 notebooks, 20 packs of pencils, and 100 folders.)
- Estimated size or bulk (Ex: I have about 3 large containers filled with school supplies ready for pickup.)
Mail Your Donations
If you are looking to donate tangible products to Jamaica, you may mail or ship your gifts to our mailing address at 5210 Tyler Street, Hollywood, FL 33021, USA.
Useful Tips When Donating Heavy Shipments
UPS, FedEx, and USPS all use Dimensional (DIM) factors to determine the DIM weight of oversized packages. Dimensional or DIM weight pricing is a formula that carriers use to determine the cost to ship a package.
If you are shipping an oversized package, DIM weight can increase your shipping charges. When a box weighs 10 pounds but the DIM weight comes out to 15 pounds, you’ll be charged for shipping 15 pounds. If the DIM weight is less than the actual weight of your package, the shipping cost is based on the actual weight.
How to reduce DIM weight charges
There are several ways to reduce dimensional weight charges, however:
- Packaging. Filling small products up in boxes that are too large can lead to extra shipping costs. Pack your donations in the smallest possible box(es) to securely ship it. Review your packaging for ways to box your items more efficiently. Some large products may be cheaper to ship if you ship them disassembled.
- DIM factor. If you are donating a high-volume shipment, you may be able to negotiate lower shipping rates. You can also negotiate your DIM factor. A higher DIM factor will lower your DIM weight charges.
- Ship by USPS. The US Postal Service has a DIM factor of 166. FedEx and UPS both use a DIM factor of 139 for commercial shipping accounts. A 50-pound package with dimensions of 24” x 24” x 30” would lead to DIM weight pricing at 125 pounds for FedEx and UPS. USPS would only charge you for 105 pounds. However, even with the higher DIM weight, UPS and FedEx would charge less to ship this oversized package to Zones 5 through 8. USPS is a better deal in Zones 2 through 4. To see how DIM weight pricing compares for different carriers, use Red Stag Fulfillment’s DIM weight calculator.
For even heavier items, try UPS Ground. The service accepts packages that weigh up to 150 pounds. For very large and heavy items such as furniture, FedEx Freight might save you money on shipping.
Heavy products need to ship in stronger cardboard boxes to stay secure in transit. This can add extra weight and extra cost. You can save by palletizing and shipping products in bulk to a pickup location. This can either be at your brick-and-mortar store or a third-party receiving location.
Rheude, Jake. “The Cheapest Way to Ship Large and Oversized Packages.” Red Stag Fulfillment, April 21, 2021.
how does treasure our youth work?
Although our National Board of Directors and Executives are based in the United States, we are a nonprofit that serves youth in the Caribbean and partner with international organizations to execute our mission.
Every year we offer a variety of programs where youth can get involved and make a difference in personal development, capacity, community, and more. We publicly recognize students who have made a major positive change in their behavior and outcomes at school. We also give out scholarships and rewards to students who excel in school.
We collect donations from everywhere using our local address and store all tangible donations at our private location. Those items are then shipped to Jamaica for our annual events where we serve youth and their families.
Every year we offer a variety of programs where youth can get involved and make a difference in personal development, capacity, community, and more. We publicly recognize students who have made a major positive change in their behavior and outcomes at school. We also give out scholarships and rewards to students who excel in school.
We collect donations from everywhere using our local address and store all tangible donations at our private location. Those items are then shipped to Jamaica for our annual events where we serve youth and their families.
who does treasure our youth serve?
We serve students directly and members of the community indirectly. For example, our youth that are a part of Treasure Clubs, The G.I.R.L.S Project or Certificate to Manhood put together community events such as the Annual Community Health Fair which helps them build on social impact while serving hundreds of families in the community and leaving a lasting impression. Students also fundraise in order to buy and supply these families with personal hygiene kits, filled backpacks for kids, and provide hot meals at these events.
About Us |
Get Involved |
Resources |