You’ve probably volunteered before at least once in your life, whether it was through a club at school, a nearby food drive, or donating to a local charity. LFHS has many opportunities for students to involve themself in volunteering through clubs, National Honor Society, and other organizations, and it is fairly simple to involve yourself in these activities. Since these opportunities are so easily presented to us, it makes it hard to look outside of the set structure and discover other organizations and communities that may need our help.
Our community is extremely lucky to have grown up in a place where there is not much need, but some of our neighboring communities are not so fortunate. Especially during the holidays, it is challenging for these communities to access all of the necessities they need, including food, toiletries, and clothes. Countless organizations and volunteer opportunities donate and provide necessities for these communities, but there is no harm in providing extra support.
The majority of service hours completed by students are done by juniors and seniors to fulfill the National Honor Society requirement of 30 service hours. While any act of service is a good one, the NHS completion requirement creates a kind of environment where students are only volunteering for completion, rather than to help those around them. It also opens up volunteer opportunities that don’t necessarily help those in nearby communities, like Feed My Starving Children.
Many organizations around us directly aid our nearby communities and provide resources for them year-round. One organization that is particularly involved in aiding these communities is Fill A Heart 4 Kids.
Fill A Heart 4 Kids is a non-profit organization that provides support for local communities in need. Fill A Heart sponsors many different schools and organizations to provide children with the necessities to thrive under their conditions. At Fill A Heart, you have the opportunity to fill care packages, volunteer at orphanages, and develop personal relationships, allowing us to see life through their eyes. We’ve had the opportunity to discover a new perspective on life beyond our bubble.
There is such importance in volunteering. Because of where we live, we are commonly shielded from outside communities, and reaching out to these communities allows us to broaden our view of the world outside of our little town.
Volunteering is not only rewarding for those receiving, but also for those giving. We have been volunteering for most of our lives, and the rewarding feeling that you get knowing that you’ve helped someone is indescribable.
While you may think that one day of community service doesn’t make much difference, the appreciation that comes from those receiving it is great. As we continue into the holiday season and the rest of the year, don’t be afraid to reach out and involve yourself in as many volunteering opportunities that you can, because it truly makes a difference.
