Don’t Stress! Here’s the Latest for Community Service

As fourth quarter makes its appearance evident, students are hustling and bustling to get things done and away with before summer. Now although it may seem like it is galaxies away, the end of the school year is quickly approaching. There may be a lot going on but if you have to prioritize between assignments, we recommend making community service hours one of them.

For as long as The Roaring Times can remember, Pitman has required that all sophomores, juniors, and seniors partake in five to ten hours of community service for the school year (five hours for sophomores and juniors; ten hours required for seniors). Nearing the end of second semester, the community service project can make up ten percent of your grade.

Although it may not seem like much, The Roaring Times has experienced first hand just how easily it is to forget. We understand that it can be hard to get those hours completed, much less to even remember them. Couple that with a deadline looming near May (the exact date is dependent on the teacher), and it may seem like this community service project is a recipe for disaster.

But don’t stress just yet. The Roaring Times has compiled a list of volunteer opportunities that pretty much match the stereotype: though met with groans and grumbles, in the end, the community service opportunity delivered the same emotions as that of a feel good movie.

Key Club, a club dedicated to solely completing community service hours, offers many opportunities to all. You don’t even have to be a member! The absolutely amazing advisor, Mrs. Insell, and equally great President, Melisa Lanzar, provided The Roaring Times with the most recent opportunities available:

On March 28th, Key Club is heading over to Paramount Retirement Home (located on 3791 Crowell Road) in order to dye Easter eggs with the elderly! The event is pretty straightforward. Upon arrival, students will be assigned to certain tables in the recreational area and asked to assist the elderly in dyeing boiled eggs in preparation for Easter. They use a variety of paints, stickers, and creativity which brings a smile to both the residents of Paramount and the students.

The next activity is the We Care Program on April 21st at 221 S. Broadway in Turlock. This opportunity allows to make and serve food to the homeless in the kitchens.

Also on April 21st, is the Crust N Crumb event on 428 E Main Street in Turlock. At Crust N Crumb, all members partake in an intellectual conversation discussing ways in which to benefit Key Club.

Want to sign up or have further questions? Contact Mrs. Insell in room B122!

Still not enough? Stanislaus County has got you covered! Although these opportunities may require slightly more, they are just as fun and engaging.

Volunteer opportunities are available at the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. The only requirements are that you be good with animals, at least 16 years of age, and must fill out an application that can be accessed by clicking here. Be sure to bring this application to orientation.

Stanislaus County Library also offers a lot of opportunities for community service. The job description includes but is not limited to sorting books, keeping the library clean, and assisting in certain reading programs. Applications can again be accessed by clicking here.

For more information regarding requirements and more volunteer opportunities through Stanislaus County visit this website .

Senior Anthony Davila provides yet another community service opportunity: Foothill Horizons Counseling. Davila explains “there has been a shortage of male counselors specifically, so it was pretty easy for me to get in.” Davila continues to explain that you must meet a certain age and be able to interact and care for the children there. For further information and where to apply click here.  

Hopefully the Roaring Times was successful in easing the stress, even if just for a moment. Good luck Pitman!