VOLUNTEEN! receives largest donation to date

NORWALK — Members of the Huron County-based charitable group 100 Women Making a Difference presented a $15,400 donation this week to the VOLUNTEEN! Youth Grant-Making Council of Huron County, marking the largest contribution in the group's history. The student-led council was selected last month as the recipient of the group's quarterly giving effort. Micah Sumpter, a St. Paul High School junior and council president, said the funding will expand what the group can do. "I wanted to spend my time doing something that actually matters — giving to others," Sumpter said. After learning the council had been selected, Sumpter said he began thinking about the increased impact — "how many more people we could help and how much more of a difference we could make." Advisor Peggy Hintz said students lead the process, from organizing fundraisers to reviewing applications and awarding grants. "This teaches them about philanthropy and to be volunteers," Hintz said. "We want to raise them to be leaders with hearts for service." Lydia Trost, a Norwalk High School junior and council treasurer, said the selection stood out. "It's an incredibly special opportunity," Trost said. "After a minute, I started thinking about all the good we could do with the money." The council is accepting grant applications through April. Information is available by contacting Hintz at 419-668-5467 or through council members.