By Christian DiMartino
During the holiday season, people can be more caring, and more willing to help others in need. What better way for people to show their holiday spirit than through community service? It is more common for people to volunteer more during the holiday season than any other time in the year.
“Community service is a way to give back to a community that has given so much to me,” said junior Savannah Wormley. Wormley is president of the French Club, which sends students to ring bells for the Salvation Army.
There are plenty of ways to give back to others. On Dec. 4, 5, and 6, French Club will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Kroger. “French Club is good because it gives you an opportunity to do community service,” said Wormley.
“I think it [community service] is building an awareness of the world around you,” said French teacher Shannon Miller. “It’s important to teach kids that they are part of a community. It reminds me of how much we have here in America, and what we need to be grateful for. We need to pass it on.”
Aside from the help students will give, counselor Mark Clark said the students will get just as much back. “The people that you help, you impact their lives in a positive way. You get the opportunity to help others, but also to see the community and world in a different perspective,” said Clark.
French Club will not be the only group joining in on community service this holiday season. Many students and faculty members also participate in Miles for Merry Miracles, a three-weekend event on Saturday Dec. 1, 8, and 15.
Many students are involved in this organization, which works all year long to provide Christmas presents to underprivileged kids.
“My friends got me into it, and now I’m hooked. The experience has been awesome,” said junior Noah Wright.
Though a ton of effort goes into the project, students said the benefits outweigh the sacrifices.
“It’s easy to be blinded by all the work, but seeing all your effort come together makes it all worth it,” said junior Ryan Plunkett.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, students realize it is a vital part of being in a community.
“Sharing kindness through community service could help make the world so much more positive. If we all just helped out one person, then the world would be such a more positive place,” said Wormley.