Community Service Club

Paul Pfleiger
ppfleiger@wscloud.org

FROM THE TWHS NEWS by Gloria Kim:

Community Service Club is a unique opportunity for Thomas Worthington High School to give back to the community. The experiences positively affect participants, as well as those receiving the service. Students and teachers are always welcome to join to help make more of a difference in people’s lives.

Community Service Club is a student-based club that started in the late 80’s that helps out around the community. Services include, but are not limited to, helping at the homeless shelter, organizing activities with senior citizens and most importantly, the “Welcome Home” projects.

At the homeless shelter, students spend time with the children making crafts, decorating cookies and playing games. Senior citizen activities include preparing for an annual intergenerational prom and having conversations over cookies at the Laurels of Worthington.

The most recognized services, however, are the “Welcome Home” projects. At least 3 times a year, furniture is donated, bought and collected in order to completely furnish a house for families just coming out of the homeless shelter, whom barely have any personal belongings. In a matter of about four to five hours, Community Service Club is able to change that. The families arrive to what was once an empty space, to a full house with beds, clothing, kitchen and food supplies, toys for the kids, couches and bathroom necessities. They have everything they need for a standard living. It changes the lives of the families and gives members of the club the satisfaction of helping others.

When asked what community service meant to her, Community Service Club adviser and TWHS teacher, Judith Galasso answered, “Giving back. I’ve been blessed… and I think most of us have. You get a lot more out of it than you give. That feeling of satisfaction and being able to help and actually trying to make a difference in people’s lives.”

All of the events that Community Service Club is involved in could not be made possible without people’s support and donations. A helping hand, whether a student or teacher, is always needed. The school can support these causes by voting at truhero.org for Thomas Worthington High School Community Service Club’s “Welcome Home” project and confirming their vote in their email. The club has won $4,000 over the past two years, and is the main source of income. Every vote counts!