West Clubs in the Community

How important is community service? How effective are these clubs in shaping young minds and developing good character? To find the answer to this question I recently spoke with 11th grader Emily Orlando, who regularly participates in community service through her church and supports the troops with care packages and and cards during the holidays. She told me about her experience visiting Sunrise Nursing Home with the Italian club on Friday, February 13th after school.

“We gave out Valentines day cards and got to walk around and talk to people. I loved talking to them because a lot of them don’t have families or people who care about them to visit them.  That can get really lonely, especially during the holidays. It was great to see them happy and smiling after receiving our cards. I would definitely recommend this. You can tell it really made their day.”

Club members, including president Nicole Cerniglia and fellow members, handed out Valentine’s to the residents. Everyone agreed that, in addition to missing 9th period, the trip offered participants plenty of personal rewards.

I also spoke to fellow 10th grader, Rebecca Gladstone, on her experience in Glamour Gals and the effect it has had on her. ” I love being in Glamour Gals because I can really see how happy we make the elders feel. They really enjoy telling us stories and I love listening to them. I love that I can bond with them while painting their nails. Its great seeing how we can make an impact on their lives and bring them joy.”