Written by Lauryn Smith, Staff Writer & Entertainment Editor
As the second semester begins, it is only natural for students of any grade, graduating or not, to look to the future. Some may work towards certain opportunities to get a head start, and others may have a life plan they intend to follow after graduation. Others may not have a plan for what they want to do with life, especially given the chaotic and unpredictable nature of 2020 and 2021.
Given these unprecedented times, it is perfectly understandable for a student to have forgotten to complete the community service hours required for graduation. Although tempting to continuously put it on the back burner, service hour requirements will not go away, no matter how long they are ignored. While you only need to do 10 community service hours to graduate, it can be quite tricky finding places to get those hours, especially during a global pandemic. Fortunately, there are plenty of virtual options to receive said hours.
In order to learn more about said options, The Pulse interviewed Dean of Student Affairs William Thompkins and Leader of the Spirit Club Matthew Bradley.
Question: What options around the school provide service hours?
Thompkins: “Some options the school provides to receive volunteer hours are working with custodial staff, helping out with a sports team, joining a club that does volunteer hours, helping with the spirit squad, helping with clubs and activities, and helping with graduation.”
Question: What options are available to virtual students?
Thompkins: “Students will need to contact a staff member and make arrangements to complete hours.”
Bradley: “[I am n]ot sure on virtual options.”
Question: Are there any local groups you would recommend students look into?
Thompkins: “Some places to volunteer are the Shalom Center, a church, Volunteers of America, Kenosha Literacy Council, Boys and Girls Club, and Habitat For Humanity-Kenosha.”
Bradley: “Outside groups can be the Boys and Girls Club, Shalom Center, local churches, YMCA, youth sports coaching, Goodwill, and St. Vincent de Paul.”
Question: Do any of these groups have virtual options?
Thompkins: “I do not know about virtual options. Students need to call the organization.”
Question: Are any of these options accessible to students with disabilities? If yes, how are they accessible? If not, what should disabled students do to get their hours?
Thompkins: “I am pretty sure that they have options for students with disabilities but you have to call the organization to find out.”
Bradley: “You would have to call and ask for accessibility for students with special needs- each may be different”
Question: What resources would you recommend students use in order to find groups that can offer service hours? Are there any specific websites people can visit to find groups that will help them?
Thompkins: “Google “volunteer hours” and then contact the organization.”
Bradley: “Most of these groups have websites and the best way to do things would be to call and ask about opportunities.”
Contacts of Organizations Listed:
Shalom Center: (262) 658-1713
Volunteers of America: (703) 341-5000
Boys and Girls Club: (262) 654-6200
Habitat For Humanity-Kenosha: 1 (800) 422-4828
Goodwill: Volunteer Information
St. Vincent de Paul: (314) 576-3993
More localized options can be found on the VolunteerMatch website.