My reply was, “Have you ever known our parents to let us down? You ask and they will provide, they always do!” Without our parents giving their time at VPE, there would be no Fall Carnival, Family Fun Events, Chat and Chew, and the countless other events that happen at Valley Park. Community Service students have been very busy this year. Here is a list of some things they have accomplished:
• Hos
ted a Book Drive with Student Council
• Helped pack over 2,000 snack packs for Harvesters Big Give
• Recognized Make a Difference Day by making Book Share Bags
• Made cards and decorations for Thanksgiving Day at Lamar Court
• Recycled hundreds of pounds of paper at the Paper Drive
• Collected over 200 pounds of candy for Tweak the Treat
December is a month filled with many opportunities to show their generosity. Look at the dates and start thinking about where to give the gift of time. SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING - December 3
Join us on the north side of Macy's at Town Center from 6-8pm to ring the bell and spread some holiday cheer!! Bring a friend or two to help the Salvation Army raise money for area residents during the holiday season. Dress warmly and bring a smile! AFTER SCHOOL MEETING in POD C - December 5
In the spirit of the season we will be spreading some cheer to Lamar Court. We will be making door decorations and table centerpieces for their residents. Last month they received your Thanksgiving Day cards and Garland of Gratitude and were thrilled! We will also be taking out the recycling and picking up the Terracycling. The meeting is from 3:40 until 4:40. Please wait in the front lobby for us to dismiss everyone as a group. This will help us make sure everything is cleaned up, everyone has their belongings, and is leaving with the proper person. You must have your child signed up by 2:00pm on December 5th if you would like them to attend the meeting. Thank you in advance! HOLIDAY CAROLING - December 20
Join us as we continue spreading holiday cheer by caroling with the residents at Lamar Court. This is the last day of school before Winter Break, so join us for a quick celebration after your class party in the Lamar Court lobby. We will only be caroling until 4:00PM as they are greeted for dinner. What a wonderful way to spread some happiness on our way home for a long Winters Break. Make sure you get your holiday surprise from us before you leave Lamar Court. SHAWNEE MISSION MEALS on WHEELS - Ongoing
Have fun with your friends or family designing cards for Shawnee Mission Meals on Wheels recipients. Each week volunteers deliver meals to our community members who do not leave their home on a regular basis, like you or I. So, when they receive a card spreading some cheer and happiness with their meal, it makes that meal special. There will be a collection envelope at the Community Service Bulletin Board for you to put your cards in. They do not have to be holiday related, but something cheerful to put a smile on their face. Do you have a passion for cooking? Why not bake some animal friendly treats for an animal shelter. If you love to read, why not make a book on tape for a children’s shelter. Whatever your hobby or passion, you can find a place or way to serve your community. Check out these local organizations and websites for more information:
• www.kidsandcars.org Recycle electronics to raise money for child safety in
cars.
• www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org You can help in their clothes closet or stock
shelves in one of their food pantries.
• www.harvesters.org Click in their Event Calendar for many ways to help. Whoville Holiday is on Saturdays, now through
December 17th, 10-am- 2pm, at the City Market,
20 east 5th Street, Kansas City, MO. Harvesters
also has a Food Drive Tool Kit to help you organize a
neighborhood food drive.
• www.volunteermatch.org You can be a “Watch the Wild” volunteer,
wrap presents for children in the hospital,
prepare a meal for Save Inc., or find another
opportunity from their long list.
• www.kidscare.org There are projects for the holiday season or other
time of the year.
• www.waysidewaifs.org If you are an animal lover this is a place for you.
• http://www.humanesociety.org/community/volunteers/ They
offer many ways to help animals. Whether you can give 15 minutes, 30 minutes or more of your time, there is a place for you to give your time and talents. If you have a moment, check out the Community Service Bulletin Board and website. We will continually add ideas and opportunities for everyone to volunteer. You can also find us on Facebook at VPE Community Service. It’s never to late to sign up your student for VPE Community Service at [email protected]. You will receive the opportunity to sign your student up, additional ideas and service information, sent directly to your inbox. Thank you for supporting your student participating in Community Service. Tracey Meade and Mona Edwards
Community Service Coordinators
