Volunteer work is important. And for SPA 10th graders, it’s required.

Sophomore Kate Jacobs has already completed her service hours for sophomores. She worked with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), an organization focused on fighting food insecurity, as well as a local marathon, where she helped out runners by providing snacks and water.

To anyone who is debating holding off on completing their 12 hours, Jacobs said, “It’s better to get it done fast, so you’re not rushing at the end of winter break.”

She recommends that fellow sophomores take shifts a few hours long to avoid spending lots of time going back and forth to the area they are volunteering. With that, she suggests that students find a place close and in their community.

If sophomores are feeling behind on volunteering or questioning where to go, Jacobs recommends they find an issue that they are passionate about solving and lend a helping hand. For her, Jacob thinks fighting food insecurity is important, so she works with VEAP, Feed My Starving Children and other food banks.

“Doing the work with friends or family makes the experience much more fun,” she said.

“It’s important to provide for and help out your community; that’s the best part about volunteering,” said Jacobs.

Helping out with the community gives people a sense of connection to the place they live. Learn more about volunteering opportunities with this link.