In March, students and their families from the Westfield Public School District participated in a districtwide community service initiative in support of homeless shelters, fighting hunger campaigns, senior citizens, rescue animal organizations, and others in need of charitable help.
At Westfield High School, the Student Government Association (SGA) teamed up with the Community Service Club to organize a toiletry drive, book collection, and fundraising efforts to buy school supplies for children in Columbia and to support the veterans organization, the Wounded Warrior Project. Students also gathered to assemble care packages and write cards for veterans and senior citizens during the annual Week of Service from March 27-31,
During Community Service Week on March 13-17, elementary school PTOs organized activities during the day or held well-attended events during the evening. The events offered workstations benefiting local charitable organizations, with such hands-on activities as assembling care packages, making bookmarks to accompany book donations, decorating infant onesies, beading bracelets for children with cancer, creating dog toys, and decorating potted plants for Westfield senior residents.
“Community Service Night was a great success,” said Franklin event co-chairs Tamra Feldman and Nicole Ru in an email to the school community. “Fifth grade ambassadors served as leaders and role models, helping younger students throughout the evening at each station.”
Feldman and Ru said the hallway was overflowing with donations, including shoes, books, used art supplies, and soccer equipment that the WHS Donate Club will provide to local charities.
At Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate School, students used a portion of their lunch periods to write thank you cards to first responders, create flower bouquets for Mobile Meals, and participate in other hands-on activities.
“The PTSO was so happy to provide an environment where students could create cards and gifts for local charities and our first responders,” says RIS PTSO member Tara Tepp. “The students really embraced the event and how meaningful it is to support our community.”
Superintendent Dr. Raymond González thanked all who organized and participated in Community Service Week, adding that “while there are many community service efforts that take place throughout the school year, to witness the entire school community come together in this concentrated endeavor is truly inspiring.”