Youth Volunteer Corps of Des Moines’ service project was named the 2017 Project of the Year across the YVC network of more than 30 North American affiliates.The Des Moines chapter’s project, which addressed homelessness in Des Moines, was selected for the top honor from more than 4,000 projects. A total of 97 youths contributed nearly 300 hours of service for the “Winter Essentials” project, in which they put together 30 backpacks full of personal items and toiletries to deliver to people experiencing homelessness. Each pack also included a handmade blanket, hat and scarf. YVC of Des Moines also worked with seven other community support organizations to gather supplies. The Des Moines affiliate, which began in December 2015, is facilitated by Community Youth Concepts and is open to Des Moines metro youth ages 11-18.