Your Questions, Answered.
-
Youth for Change is a Westfield-based nonprofit that empowers middle and high school students to lead through volunteerism. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for young people to serve their communities, develop leadership skills, and support local charities through hands-on experiences and fundraising events.
-
Our Charity All-Nighter is our signature annual fundraising event. Each March, over one hundred students come together for an unforgettable 25-hour experience filled with games, dancing, food, music, karaoke, bingo and more. This event ends with a closing ceremony where we present grants to nonprofit partners, showing youth participants that giving back can be fun and rewarding.
-
Our Youth Team and Charity All-Nighter are open to students in grades 6 through 12 who live in the greater Western Massachusetts region (including northwest CT). We welcome adult participation through our volunteer programs.
-
No! While many participants challenge themselves to stay awake, staying up all night isn’t for everyone. The goal is having fun, serving your community, and making a difference. Participants are welcome to rest in designated sleeping rooms if they need a break from the fun and games.
-
Safety is our highest priority. Our all-nighter is fully supervised by our team of background-checked volunteers, first aid team (all volunteers are medically licensed), and security team. Participants are never permitted to leave the venue without consent from a parent or guardian, unless arrangements were made ahead of time.
-
Our all-nighter typically costs $25 per participant. This fee goes directly to our three charity recipients, while our other fundraising efforts cover event expenses. Participants are encouraged to raise additional funds for our nonprofit partners each year.
-
We do not have a fundraising requirement for participants. While we encourage youth to ask their neighbors and friends for donations, every participant makes a difference by showing up and showing our community that they care about giving back.
-
All of our funds are donated to selected local nonprofit organizations. Each year, our Youth Team researches and hand-selects the charity recipients that represent the causes that matter to them.
-
Parents are welcome during check-in, pickup, and our closing ceremony on Saturday evening. The overnight experience itself is designed for participants and volunteers to create an engaging, youth-focused environment.
-
We rely on an incredible team of adult and student volunteers throughout the year. Whether you'd like to help at an event, mentor students, serve on a committee, or lend a specific skill, we'd love to have you involved.
→ Explore Volunteer Opportunities
-
Absolutely! Local businesses and community organizations make our mission possible through sponsorships, donations, and partnerships. We'd love to discuss how we can work together.
-
Yes. Youth for Change is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization legally named WMCD Inc (EIN# 92-1201387), dedicated to developing youth leaders while creating meaningful impact throughout our community.
-
You can make a secure online donation at any time. Every gift helps empower young people to serve others and strengthens our local community.
-
We’re happy to chat! Send us an email at info@yfchange.org, and one of our volunteers will reach out to you shortly.