South Amboy, NJ — June 15, 2025 — By Nicole Arce
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 90 volunteers—including Amazon employees, WeLoveU Foundation members, and local residents—dedicated their morning to revitalizing the YMCA’s outdoor space. Volunteers worked in teams to plant vegetable seeds, mulch garden beds, repaint benches and exterior surfaces, clean up litter, and landscape areas around the facility—creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for families who rely on the YMCA for programs and support. In total, they filled 21 bags, removing roughly 750 pounds of debris.
“This is our fourth year collaborating with WeLoveU, and every year the partnership gets better,” said Elizabeth Rivera, Senior HR Business Partner at Amazon. “It means a lot to us to work together and to know we are not alone in our community.”
To keep the energy high and show appreciation, Amazon added a fun and meaningful twist to the day. They donated $19,300 to the International WeLoveU Foundation and presented a special plaque recognizing the organization’s commitment to building stronger communities. The support didn’t stop there—Amazon also hosted a lively raffle packed with exciting prizes like the Stanley Quencher, Ring Video Doorbell, and a Charge 4 Bluetooth speaker. Volunteers were thrilled to take part, and the giveaways added a festive touch that brought everyone together. It was the perfect way to thank participants for their time, hard work, and heart—making a great day even more memorable.
Liz Bennett, Director of Development for the YMCA, added, “This garden and clean environment help our kids learn confidence, leadership, and environmental stewardship. It ensures that camp is accessible and meaningful for all children, regardless of their background.”
Councilman Anthony Conrad, who serves on both the YMCA board and the Green Team, praised the foundation’s commitment: “These projects have a lasting impact, especially for the children who will benefit from the garden and improved spaces.”
Elizabeth Rivadeneira, Senior HR Business Partner at Amazon, joins Amazon volunteers at the South Amboy YMCA to help revitalize outdoor spaces alongside the International WeLoveU Foundation.
This beautification effort was part of the WeLoveU Foundation’s Kinder World campaign which promotes safer and more nurturing spaces for children and families. It also aligned with the nonprofit’s Clean WORLD Movement; an environmental initiative launched in 2009 that encourages local action to achieve global environmental impact.
About the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation
Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.
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