Local schools, fire companies, churches, homes and even a diner were recently swarmed with student volunteers ready to do everything from planting greens to rearranging books.
The students took part in Seneca High School’s second annual Day of Service — a Lenape Regional District-wide initiative to promote volunteering — on Friday, May 25.
Seniors had the option of signing up for the two-hour long community service morning, and out of 310 students, 285 made that leap, said organizer Bill Fisher.
“It was a great percentage,” he said.
According to Fisher, the students visited Tabernacle Elementary School, Olson Middle School, Indian Mills Elementary School, Indian Mills Middle School, Russo’s Fruit and Vegetable Farm, the Church of the Holy Eucharist, Lord of Life Church, Shamong Diner, Vincentown Fire Company, Hampton Lakes Fire Company, Tabernacle Fire Company, Indian Mills Fire Company, Tabernacle EMT, Indian Mills EMT and 50 homes in Leisuretowne.
“They did a variety of things throughout our community,” he said. “Some places, they were planting plants.”
In others, they raked.
They window washed.
They vacuumed.
They cleaned vehicles.
The idea began with a grant, but has spiraled into a core part of growth in the students, Fisher said.
“It was such a big hit,” he said, that although the grant didn’t continue, but the principals wanted a yearly service day.
“They love it.”
They aren’t the only ones happy.
Four days after the service day, Fisher admitted to having received about 30 emails so far from residents of Leisuretowne or local businesses raving about the workmanship of the students.
“They felt good about giving back,” he said.
Those who didn’t participate instead went to their classes.
While there wasn’t a full class turnout, there was definitely a larger percentage than last year, Fisher said. Down the road, it could potentially become a requirement.
Not only is it beneficial to log community service hours for college applications, but it extends teaching out of just books and into real life situations.
“You want to teach them everything,” he said, to round out their worldview and do something positive for the community.
The question that should arise in the students’ minds is: “What else can I do with my life?”
The original date this year was rained out, but May 25 ended up being beautiful. According to Fisher, the same scenario occurred last year.
“We make it a big day,” he said.
After they arrive back at the high school, their actions are celebrated.
The seniors head to the stadium, have a barbeque complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, games and music.
For much of the student population, volunteering is not a once a year venture, Fisher said.
There are certain school clubs that focus solely on community service, as do sports.
“This building in general,” said Fisher. “They do a ton of community service.”
