Twas weeks before the holidays, and all through the towns, all the students were volunteering, making smiles out of frowns.

From Halloween to New Year’s, several students at this school dedicate their time to volunteering. Though their motivations may vary, the fact that others benefit from them cannot be denied. Senior Mabel Soe, a DECA member, plays Christmas songs on the piano at the assisted living home. Soe is aware of the  effects the holidays can have on some people.

“I know during these times the holidays can get lonely,” Soe said. “It is nice to make someone smile.”

Several clubs take on projects to help support the community during the holiday season. The International Thespian Society (ITS) held Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat, a one-day event in which members collected canned goods to help feed the hungry. Key Club bakes cookies for firemen as a thank you for their services. DECA donates poinsettias and visits the elderly at Colony Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

“The community always supports (our school), and in order to repay them, I think we need to give back,” said junior Sarah Vercauteren, a member of ITS. “Clubs are more than just getting to play games or (having) a leadership title. (They) are a way for students to unite with others with the same interests and use their talents to make a difference.”

Some clubs help out year-round, as opposed to simply during the holidays. Leo Club, for example, recently volunteered at the Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic. Freshman member Alejandra Sanchez was one of 17 students who helped translate and assist hygienists.

“I got a really great feeling (from volunteering)  because I was just glad I could help people have a healthy life,” Sanchez said. “(Volunteering) is a really good thing to do; (it) gives you the opportunity (to help) people, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Students who are not a part of any clubs can also help throughout the community. Though a member of Key Club, junior Corey Ballard exceeds his club requirements by volunteering at middle school sporting events.

“I volunteer because I like to give back to the community once in a while (since) during baseball (season) there are a lot of people that volunteer for me,” Ballard said. “I would recommend (it) to others because it gives a feeling of accomplishment and generosity.”

Besides positive feelings, Career Development Coordinator Jennie Rook said volunteering offers others benefits. Citing an article she read on the PBS website, It’s My Life, Rook said volunteering can open doors to new friends or connections. These may lead to new career interests, help build a positive resume or help earn scholarships for college for volunteers. Volunteering may also help students explore their community and find something they are passionate about.

“The benefits of volunteering are intrinsic,” said Hunter Will, English teacher and Key Club sponsor. “You get to meet new people; you feel good about yourself; you are helping your community and ultimately, you are helping something that is yours.”

It is difficult for students to achieve these benefits if they do not know where to look for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Will suggests students join a club that volunteers or simply listen to things such as the morning announcements, to find out who is in charge of events and speak to them to get more information.

In coming weeks, Rook will begin updating the counseling center Haiku page with all of the volunteering opportunities she is notified about. Rook says there “is going to be a little something for everybody,” so if anyone has free time and would like to help out in the community, they can find an opportunity that they will enjoy. Rook sees the positives of volunteering for students who help others.

“Many students are surprised at what they can actually get out of it when they think they are doing something to help somebody else. It makes you feel good to be doing things for other people, but sometimes the long-lasting effects of that you do not really know; they are not clear right then,” Rook said. “Down the road (though), those great relationships that you have developed with community members – whether it is the people you are helping or the people that you are working alongside of to provide that help – can become valuable.”

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