Project: Decorating a room at Family Tree Shelter
Ever year I have a real fun time at my birthday parties. But I always get a ton of presents that just end up in a drawer. So I decided to do something at a shelter…[We found] a shelter for women who were trying to start their lives over after being abused by their husbands…[the activity] that sounded most interesting was to decorate a room…On the night of the party my friends and I went to Target. (Instead of presents they brought money so we could buy items for the room)…The whole thing was a long process, but everyone enjoyed it and the room looked great…I think this experience was extremely sad and it taught me that life got a lot harder than I thought I could imagine…I have always loved helping others; it makes me feel better about myself and I know that what I did helped them at least a little.
- Courtney
Project: Volunteering at ARAS (Cat Shelter)
…I always end up falling in love with different cats and I want to take them all home. It is hard to leave the shelter and the cats behind, but I know that they will either get adopted and go to good homes or they will be here the next week for me to see them. Every week I become a more knowledgeable volunteer and a better person altogether…
- Madeleine
Project: Volunteering at Wellspring Pantry
…I learned how fortunate I am to have all the things that I have. I will now think more about things and not take things for granted. It made me feel really good to help others and they all really appreciated the meal.
- Kelly
Project: Volunteering at Salvation Army
…I learned that there is more need in the community than I was aware of…My perspective on this changed when I realized that it wasn’t actually hard to help our community. Always before I heard people thinking that community service was so hard and just a nuisance, but it was fun…I really liked the feeling of making a difference.
- Ty
Project: Making meals for homeless
…I loved knowing that I was helping someone in need. That’s the greatest feeling. I learned that whatever you may be doing, you can always give your time to help people less fortunate…
- Alli
Project: Playing with kids at Colorado Christian Home
…I learned that my life is pretty good compared to these beaten kids. My new perspective is that I take my life way for granted. I’m going to enjoy my whole life better. I felt really great because building a friendship with these kids helps them a lot and makes me feel very useful…
- Melissa
Project: Adopt-a-Family
I loved it and still do! It feels really good knowing you’re helping someone other than you! We are still friends with them, but I would totally help out another family.
- Lauren
Project: Humane Society
I thought it was fun. I learned you can have fun while helping. My new perspective is that you should always have time to help. I would love to do it again because I love being with animals. It was fantastic!
- Nick
Project: Making dinners for families in need
It felt good to be making dinners for those in need. I know that I’m really making a difference and this will really help those families and the meals will make life easier. I look forward to doing this again.
- Bayley
Project: Alter Server at Saint Mary’s
…I learned that if some people don’t have help, nothing could get done, so volunteers are very important. After completing this project, I see that everyone needs help once in awhile, whether they ask for it or not. I felt good after doing this. It should make anyone feel good when they help someone else…
- Tyler
Project: Working on Indian Reservation
I learned that the Native Americans are much worse off than us. Their hangout was a gas station and they basically lived in the slums. I felt really bad for them and it felt good to be there. However, I would not do it again because as a minority our group was pretty much rejected from the social aspect of this trip. We did not feel very welcomed.
- Ben
Project: Working at a Nursing Home
...I learned that when you help someone that is in need, it makes you feel happy. Every time when I was in a bad mood I would always tell my parents to drop me off at the nursing home and I would come home in a better mood…I would definitely go back and do it again, and I do…I’ve also learned that I love to help people and every chance I get to do that, I will take it!
- Alli
Project: Peer Mentoring
Every day in Homeroom I go and help a 6th grader with whatever he needs help with. I have improved my leadership skills and have learned how to mentor someone. I think it is great that we can be there to look out for others. I feel great helping my kid that I mentor…
- Drew
Project: Mission Trip
I had a really great experience in South Dakota, experiencing the diverse culture of the Pine Ridge Indians. The reservation we visited lived in extreme poverty, but their culture was strong. I have a completely new perspective on how money should not matter as long as your beliefs are strong…I felt so happy leaving knowing that I made a difference, no matter how small…
- Leah
Project: Working at a nursing home
I think that this was one of the best experiences I could have. This taught me that older people are not as scary as I thought. They are even, I think, the nicest people…I think this is one way that helps me talk to people older than myself…
-Joe
Project: Volunteering at preschool
…I learned that you need to set a good example since little kids look up to you and have patience. I understand how hard it would be to be a mom…Even though some kids push you to the end of your rope, it makes you feel good that you can help someone out and give moms and dads a much-needed break!
- Samantha
Project: Denver Rescue Mission
…I learned that homeless people are a lot different than most people think. Most people think they’re dangerous and don’t care about anyone. I was surprised to find they’re just like you and me in a lot of ways…
- Cody
Project: Women in Crisis Shelter
…I learned that there are really people out there who are in trouble and need a place to feel safe. The new perspective I gained from this experience was that even though we hear about things like this, we don’t really pay attention to it. But seeing this shelter made me realize that these problems are real…
- Zoe
Project: Valentine’s Boxes for kids
…many people are less fortunate in OUR community and we should help them. It made me feel happy knowing that I made a child’s Valentine’s Day special by giving them these Valentine boxes that I worked so hard on.
- Emma
Project: Babysitting for Kindergarten Information Night
…It felt good helping out at the school because that is where I went to elementary school and I wanted to give back for everything they have done for me…
- Kylie