A More Meaningful Take on Vacation
Elaine Miao (BHS Class of 2015)
February break was a busy one for some Belmont High School students. A group of high schoolers, grades ranging from ninth to eleventh, went to Community Servings on the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2014 to volunteer for half a day.
Community Servings is a non-profit organization that feeds those who have critical illnesses; many of their clients also fall below the poverty line. The organization cooks, packages, and delivers 850 meals a day, and operates primarily with volunteers. On Wednesday, our students packaged food, washed dishes, and learned about the importance of everyday actions such as hand-washing to prevent disease. Many students thought it was an eye-opening experience.
Sarah Donoyan, sophomore, says, “Working at Community Servings made me realize not all people are as lucky as I am. It made me value what I had.”
“The environment of the place was very relaxing and laid back,” recounts freshman Sujing Chen, “There was music playing in the background and it took pressure off. Working together to help others was community building, and the other volunteers there were so nice.”
Everyone left feeling happy and invigorated by the work they did. When asked what she thought, Katie Conlin, junior, answered, “It was a great experience, and I would come back in a heartbeat!”
This event, organized by Ms. Alice Melnikoff, the Community Service Coordinator at Belmont High School, has run occasionally through the years. The trip always has an impact on students and clients alike.
