As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving and helping those in need becomes incredibly impactful.
The NDB community offers a variety of community service opportunities, allowing students to get involved and support those who need it most. There are many initiatives this season supporting numerous organizations and groups for Tigers to make a difference.
Students can volunteer with nearby organizations and can also connect with NDB’s community partner organizations, like the Healing WELL, located in San Francisco, and the LifeMoves network of shelters on the peninsula, all of which can always use help from volunteers at this time of year. Food banks, such as Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, are located all around the Bay Area and always need donations throughout the winter and holiday season. Students can access more information online to find a location to help out their community by donating clothes, food and other necessities, or by volunteering hands-on.
Director of Mission and Ministry and Spiritual Life Department Chair Amy Jobin highlights the importance of supporting those in need at this time of year.
“Check on your neighbors, especially if they’re elderly, or neighbors who need a little bit of support in their lives,” said Jobin. “You could bring them something nice, even if it’s small. Any act of kindness goes a long way.”
Also, every club at NDB is required to sponsor one service event throughout the year. On November 13 and 14, the Service Club sponsored a drive for he Samaritan House, where students had the chance to donate shelf-stable food, baby products and more.
In addition, a monthly newsletter is sent out containing information about upcoming events that Tigers can attend in order to contribute to the community. Students can keep an eye out for the upcoming NDB Christmas drive, which is an easy opportunity to donate toys, toiletries or food to assist the community and earn service hours.
Key Club Service Committee member and Co-President of the Pre-Med Club Maia Mejia-Young mentions the importance of remembering those in need during the holiday season. The Key Club is part of an international high school-led organization dedicated to providing service opportunities and developing leadership skills, while the Pre-Med Club was co-founded by Mejia-Young to bring forward opportunities to learn more about the pre-med track and focus on acts of service within hospitals.
“There’s a lot of people who don’t have much, and not everyone is lucky enough to have full meals on their plates or gifts to give to their families,” said Mejia-Young.” “It’s important for us to give back to our community any way we can, even if it’s something small like writing a card for someone less fortunate or giving a meal to a family in need.”
Many more of NDB clubs hold lots of opportunities to get involved with assisting surrounding communities.
With all of these opportunities, students can be sure to get involved and help those in need this holiday season, whether it is donating online or contributing in-person. Though it is especially important to give back during such a pivotal time of the year, it also encourages students to volunteer throughout the school year and develop a passion for serving their communities all the time.
