Teen earns recognition for reaching out

Carroll County Times
9/15/2009

Chris Anderson has always had a passion for helping people with disabilities.

The nephew of a man with Down syndrome, Anderson started volunteering for the Special Olympics when he was 7 years old, handing out cups of water to participants finishing their events. Now, at 17, he serves on the Board of Directors for The Arc of Carroll County, which he has supported through service projects and volunteer work for the past two years. The nonprofit organization provides services and advocates for people with developmental disabilities.

But despite Anderson’s involvement with The Arc, the Westminster High School senior was shocked when he learned that the organization had nominated him for the Youth Philanthropist of the Year award through the Carroll County Community Foundation, for which he was chosen.

“I didn’t know I was up for any awards,” he said.

Don Rowe, Executive Director of The Arc, said he has been very impressed with Anderson’s generosity and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities.

Two years ago, when Anderson was looking for a meaningful service project to earn his Eagle Scout badge, he decided that a small break area outside of The Arc needed to be renovated. He raised several thousand dollars and recruited volunteers to revamp the area with picnic tables, landscaping and handicapped accessibility.

Anderson was recognized by The Arc at its 2008 annual dinner, where he surprised the organization by presenting them with a check for $900 — the remaining funds he had collected for the project but had not had to use.

He then started the “Buy The Arc a Chair” fundraiser, with a goal of purchasing new chairs for the organization’s clients and staff. During the annual dinner, he saw that many of the chairs were worn out and mismatched.

“It’s the little things like that he notices that have an impact on other people’s lives,” Rowe said.

In March, Anderson was appointed to the board of directors, and he attended his first meeting in August. As part of his duties as a board member, he said he plans to come up with a list of potential projects for youths who want to get involved in volunteering for The Arc.

In addition to his volunteer work, Anderson is co-captain for the varsity soccer team at Westminster High and plays for the Westminster Black Wolves soccer club. He also is taking two classes at Carroll Community College.

Anderson knows what it is like to have a packed schedule, but he thinks it is possible for everyone to give back to the community in some way.

“No matter how busy you are … there are always a couple hours a week you can donate your time to someone who needs your help,” he said.

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