Students seek to give back

In order to inform more middle school students about volunteering opportunities, Oldfield Middle School in the Harborfields Central School District held their first-ever “Volunteer Fair” on March 28. The National Junior Honor Society, which is known for being involved with volunteering in the local community, partnered with OMS’s Character Education committee to make this fair available to all Oldfield Middle School students.

Participating students researched different local organizations that accepted young volunteers. After choosing a specific cause, students created informational boards to present to their peers at the fair. These National Junior Honor Society students, along with sixth-grade volunteers, acted as ambassadors for their chosen organizations, which included Birthday Wishes, a company that looks to spread joy to homeless children through birthday presents; the League of Yes, a baseball program that brings joy to those with disabilities; Happy Tails, a no-kill animal shelter, and many more.

“I was inspired by how much some of these programs really do for the community,” said Becca, an eighth-grader at Oldfield Middle School.

Throughout the day, every social studies class attended the fair and learned about the local organizations looking for volunteers. Each student took note of the three they’d most like to volunteer for.

“Most kids don’t know how many opportunities there are to volunteer in the local community,” said social studies teacher and event facilitator Jennifer Klein. “And we’re trying to teach them that even at a young age it’s important to do your part–to give back.”  

 

Photo Captions:

1. Oldfield Middle School Students David, Anna and Nicole represented Elsa’s Ark Animal Rescue at the school’s first ever “Volunteer Fair” on March 28.
2. Oldfield Middle School Students Isha and Ariana served as their chosen organization’s ambassadors at the “Volunteer Fair” on March 28.
3. A student gathered information on the “Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program” at Oldfield Middle School’s Volunteer Fair on March 28.
4. Students learned about the Long Island Greyhound Connection and met a greyhound named Nefertiti at the “Volunteer Fair” on March 28.
5. OMS sixth-grader Gabe represented the Happy Tails Rescue at the “Volunteer Fair” on March 28.

 

Photos courtesy of the Harborfields Central School District

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