Thanks to the Community Service Club elementary school students attend local events, those with ALS receive contributions, families in need collect donations, and senior citizens get company.
The Community Service club prioritizes local groups in need and has recently held many events contributing to the greater good of the community. Both the advisors and students have planned more for the upcoming months.
Co-advisor Kelly Giguere takes time outside of school to continue the progress of the club throughout the year.
“I think it is important to show people that there is a benefit to doing community service,” Giguere said. “Just sharing your time, spending time with other people, or using your time to do something that will benefit other people.”
The Community Service Club spent their time helping with the annual Fall Festival at Matthew Thorton on October 17. They helped set up a ball toss, ax throwing, crafts, and food and cider to create an array of activities for young attendees.
“The kids needed a little bit of direction with some of the activities, since they’re so young,” Giguere said. “We want to help out in any way we can.”
(Mia Robinson)
Along with assisting at community events, the club also holds its own to promote wide-scale causes. Their 4th Annual ALS Walk took place at the track on October 19.
“My favorite event we do is the ALS walk because we can do something to raise money for ALS,” Giguere said.
All proceeds earned went to the ALS Association to benefit families who have been touched by the disease by donating to research and assisting technology for patients. Along with that, touch-a-heart cards were made to spread positive messages to those battling disease. This event held by the Community Service club also inspired a newly-formed club that works to raise funds for incurable diseases, Hopeful Hearts.
“They actually came to us and wanted to work with us at the ALS walk, so we said absolutely,” Giguere said.
This is not the first time the club has collaborated with other groups to provide community service. Every winter, the club does a drive with help from the elementary schools to support homeless shelters in the Manchester area by collecting toothbrushes, deodorant, socks, and more necessities.
Community Service Club board member senior Emily Lachance believes this drive is extremely significant to those in need living in the community.
“Bringing our town together to support those in Manchester struggling with shelter, especially during winter, is more than just a drive; it’s a community effort,” Lachance said. “These items generously given to this effort is a small action that has a big impact. Together, we’re not just providing warmth and shelter—we’re working to support and unify our community.”
While giving to shelters for those without homes, club members also visit those in the All American Assisted Living homes in Londonderry. For the past couple of years, the club has been spending time with residents and helping them with technology, playing games like Uno and chess, and making them cards. In previous meetings, Halloween and birthday cards have been made and were given out at their visit on Wednesday, October 27.
Two-year club member Megan Lachance, who is Emily Lachance’s sister, said she appreciates the new opportunities the Community Service Club gives her to volunteer and help out others.
“One of my favorite things we do is visit the All American Assisted Living Facility,” Megan Lachance said. “It is so satisfying to see how a simple conversation with one of the residents can brighten their day. Not only does it cheer them up, but it brings us members joy being able to spread happiness in the community.”
While the advisors helped plan these community events, Giguere credits her students for their hard work.
“I’m so grateful for the students we have and the fact that they’re always willing to step up for whatever it is,” Giguere said. “They make it all happen.”
