This week 8th graders engaged in community service by volunteering for one of four organizations—Bergen Family Center, Meals on Wheels North Jersey, Teaneck Creek Conservancy, and Tenafly Nature Center. “A big reason we do multiple locations for service is to allow students to have a choice in where and how they volunteer,” says 8th Grade Dean Alison Miller.

For Meals on Wheels, students baked chocolate chip cookies—about 300 in total!—in the Middle School Teaching Kitchen to be included in delivery meals. “I chose to volunteer for Meals on Wheels because this was one small way to help solve the problem of homelessness and hunger in this country,” says Bennett S. ’29.

Aria S. ’29 explained that during her group’s trip to the Tenafly Nature Center, she learned that invasive species of plants harm the local vegetation, which can disrupt the ecosystem. “Some memorable moments were when [my classmates and I] showed each other the plants that we found,” says Aria. “We gave back to the community and had fun!”

“At the Bergen Family Center we were split into three groups, one helped with the babies and toddlers, [another] helped plan a Mother’s Day event, and my group helped with the seniors,” says Ava M. ’29. “Working with the seniors was one of the most fun ways I’ve ever volunteered. The environment was filled with kindness that radiated through everyone’s faces and attitudes… It was also rewarding knowing that I helped make their day a little brighter and the community that much stronger.”