Teenagers are busy. Between school, sports, and part-time jobs, there is not much time left for anything else. So, we have to prioritize the things that matter to us, and many of us put community service on the list.
I, for one, am passionate about helping victims of domestic violence. There is a shelter called A Safe Place that provides housing and therapy for women and children after leaving an abusive relationship. A Safe Place has joined with a charitable project my family started – Mary’s House of Hope – for the same purpose, to help people escape violent relationships. As a volunteer with those projects, I have been able to see what encouragement and belief in people can really do. The evolution of the women living in the shelter is remarkable. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with the organization and be a part of a strong sisterhood.
A fellow senior at St. Pius, Alicia Carron, has enjoyed working with a charity called rEcess. One Friday a month the group turns the Our Lady Catholic Church basement into a play place for children with disabilities, as well as their siblings. For three hours each month, the children get to play games, watch movies and have fun with high schoolers.
Herculaneum junior Caitlyn Huber is a member of her school’s National Honor Society, and one of the group’s main values is service. She said the purpose for having a garage sale was to raise awareness about cancer and to raise funds to help find a cure. The National Honor Society also provided childcare during the holiday season so parents could shop for gifts. The school also helps run the “Blackcat Closet,” which is similar to Goodwill and provides students in need with clothing and other items.
Caitlyn Huber said her membership and service through National Honor Society have contributed to her character.
“Since being a part of NHS, I have been able to be an active member in not only my school community but the Herculaneum community as well,” Huber said. “This, I find, is helping me become a hardworking and dependable person whom others can trust.”
St. Pius X National Honor Society students are required to complete tutoring hours. On days when students have late starts, some NHS members spend some of that extra time tutoring other students who might be struggling in a subject. They try to mentor and encourage their fellow students to achieve academic excellence.
Another way St. Pius NHS members help is by working with other groups that assist people in need, such as organizations for the homeless, domestic violence victims and children with disabilities. These groups encourage students to come and work with their organizations, and many students have taken advantage of the offer and supported those charities.
Multiple schools in Jefferson County host blood drives, and many students volunteer to work at those drives. Joe Bradley, a senior at De Soto High School, said he gives blood as often as he can.
Students who want to do more to help out in their communities may reach out to local nonprofit groups. Websites such as volunteermatch.org can also be a resource.
St. Pius senior Kelsey Cheaney said it is important teenagers know they are welcome to volunteer.
“No matter how old or young you are, it is empowering to know you have the chance to make an impact on others,” she said.