Number of Participants: 300
Hours Donated: 1
Value of Time Served: $2,535
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Schools
Date: December 14, 2017
Location:
Valley Stream
NY, USA
About:
Valley Stream Memorial Junior High School hosted its inaugural Volunteer Fair; an event that brought the community and district together and is expected to become an annual occasion. On Dec. 8, students in all grades took time during their lunch periods to visit an assortment of booths that featured ways to become involved in various missions to make a difference.
Among the establishments represented were House of Hope, Long Island Cares, Operation Splash, Sparkle Empowerment Program for Girls, Charles Monica Senior Village, Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, South Nassau Communities Hospital, the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project, Valley Stream Junior Fire Department, Valley Stream Youth Council and Youth Court.
The fair was presented through the Guidance Department as a way to encourage students to explore their interests, develop an increased sense of social responsibility, apply academic learning to real human need, foster relationships and communication skills, show colleges what they believe in and define possible career paths through community service.
“By engaging in volunteer work, students have an opportunity to learn experientially,” said Guidance Counselors Alexandra Panos and Jen Magnes in a letter to parents. “They discover where their passions lie while undertaking ‘feel good’ projects that truly make a difference.”
The counselors noted that such opportunities help to instill a lifelong appreciation for giving back.
Photos Courtesy of Valley Stream Central High School District
