NOTE: The members of the eighth grade yearbook class each quarter will post an article to the Hilltopper.
The rooms were filled with food, boxes, and friendly faces. People moved back and forth between tables and stacking food boxes. Students worked together, while in an assembly line, to package food. What they’re doing is making food packages for people in need.
At Highlands Middle School, service hours are based on grade level. 6th graders need 6 hours of service, 7th graders need 7 hours, and 8th graders need 8 hours. If these hours have not been completed, there are many opportunities for service in Kentucky. Some of these opportunities include GO Pantry, the Civic Garden Center, and Brighton Center. All of these options have ways of providing help for people in need, supporting struggling parents or children, and improving public spaces.
At GO Pantry the volunteers help organize and pack food for families in need. Volunteers will go down an assembly line packing bags with food like pudding, chips, cereal, and more. They work together to make sure every box is complete.
“I volunteered at a homeless shelter [like Go Pantry] that gives away food, like a pantry. I really liked it because it got most of my hours done and I was able to help that community. And I saw how others were struggling and I became more grateful for my life and what I have.” Lilly Green (8) said.
Food pantries like these are a huge help for the community and self improvement.
At the Civic Garden Center in Cincinnati, students help with the city’s greenery. People help plant trees around the town to help improve air quality and build the community.
“I like helping out the community and all of the people in need” Eva Lang (8) said.
Not only would it help the community but it’s also a good opportunity to learn about nature, the environment, plants, and how to work with others easily.
Lastly at Brighton Center, students can make an impact by helping families in need of food, building leadership skills, and helping children develop new skills. Brighton Center welcomes volunteers of all ages as you’ll work together to help with customers, daily operations, and extra support for others.
“Just understanding that there are a lot of people out there that need help, and it allows me to feel extremely grateful for the situation I am in right now, because not everyone has this luck. So just understand that helping people is good for them and yourself,” Social Studies teacher Ryan Augustin said.
Volunteering is a great way to help out the community.
“I think that even if people can’t immediately see the results of it, it definitely is helping others. And again to get outside of yourself and to do something for no other reason than to benefit somebody else is great,” science teacher Jeremy Filson said.
Volunteering allows students to grow as individuals while making other people’s lives better, which is just a few reasons why hours are required.
“It is very important to give back to your community and it makes you a good person,” Principal Erica Volpenhein said.
Overall, volunteering isn’t just for helping the community, but also to help students become more independent, caring, and responsible.
