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5-5-2023: Recently, I visited the free libraries you see on the side of the street in my community and filled them with books. Some children's books that I no longer needed were on my bookshelves after I just cleaned them out. I also visited my town's public library to donate books that I no longer read. Giving care and showing empathy to others are two aspects of compassion. I gave books to others who would not have access to them by doing so out of compassion. I donated both new and used books out of compassion for persons who might not have the money to buy books or who might not have access to a library.
4-26-2023: For a genuine act of service, I went out and helped somebody in need. My elderly neighbor was bringing groceries inside from her car. I approached and offered my helping hand. I brought lots of bags with me from her car to her porch. She offered to pay me, but I declined and urged her to get in touch with me at any time if she needed assistance with anything. Making someone's day by doing this, especially those who needed it, made me happy.
3-23-2023: For this week's service blog, I tutored my mom's friend's daughter with her English homework. She is currently in second grade and is learning capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. Because English is one of my favorite subjects, I was happy to help her. Helping someone with their work and truly teaching someone something brings me joy. She was very appreciative with my aid and had fully grasped it by the end of the day. This event taught me that I truly enjoy teaching others, even with the little things.
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3-2-2023: This week, I looked after the son of my mom's friend ( Connor). I made the decision to step up and watch Connor because his dad was at work and his mom is pregnant. It taught me how tough it is to balance a one-year-old. I gave him lunch while we watched his favorite shows and played with his toys. The core value of compassion is shown in this.
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On February 13, 2023, ICHS held a "Day of Service." For my service act, I helped out at Spring School in Tenafly, New Jersey. Today, the students were getting ready for Valentine's Day. They made art projects and hand-written cards for their family and friends. I helped the kids with their spelling and handwriting. Whenever I go help at the school, I always have a fun learning experience.
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My mother, cousin, and I got the opportunity to donate to a food pantry this week. During the month of January, we could donate to families unable to provide food for their families. We were able to deliver the canned items to the shelter, which was accepting donations. After donating, I felt renewed and good about myself, knowing that I had even inadvertently helped a family.
I assisted my mother with chores that I do not normally do on a daily basis from December 18 to December 31. I helped in the cleaning of the dishes, the laundry, and folding of all the laundry. I thought it was the best thing to do because my mom has a lot on her plate and I believe that helping her with small tasks can make her days easier and relieve stress from her. When she needs it, I also help her prepare food and cook. Two people doing something is far superior to one, and it also helped us form a stronger bond.
November 24, 2022, was Thanksgiving day. On Thanksgiving, I went to my godmother and cousin's house in upstate New York. I helped my family cook, clean the house, and take care of the dogs. After eating, I helped my aunt by watching her two children so she can clean up the house.
On September 2, 2022, I helped my mom clean up and reorganize her classroom for the new school year. There was no one else in the school to help her, so she asked me to help her. This act of service was one of compassion and transformation.
During the Summer of 2022, I cleaned out my entire room. I went through old toys, clothes I didn't like or didn't fit me anymore, and furniture. I took the things I didn't want and brought it to my local GoodWill and homeless shelter.
On the week of May 15th-21st, 2022, my dad and I helped renovate my grandmother's bathroom. Before my grandmother sells her house, she had to renovate her bathroom so it can be nicer for the new people moving in. Instead of spending money on a professional renovator, my dad and I offered to do it ourselves.
On May 5th, 2022, my god-mother and her new husband got married. On that day, my mom and I helped set up the venue for the reception. I set up the tables and chairs in the cocktail and main area.
On the week of February 20th ,2022, my school had winter break. During the break I stayed home with my parents. And during the break, I helped my parents in somethings. I did many chores around the house, took care of my dog, and took time out of my day to spend time with them. Another thing I did a lot this break was pray throughout the day. I mainly prayed for the people of Ukraine because of what is going on in the country.
On February 14, 2022, I spent my service day at Spring School in Tenafly, New Jersey. Since it was Valentine's Day, it was a very busy day around the school. All of the classrooms were having parties, doing crafts, and hanging out gifts. In the second grade classroom (where I was mostly), I graded and filed some papers and tests. I also helped the student with writing and spelling.
On January 30, 2022, my Grandma came to live with me and my family. She's living with us for about a month and has a lot of boxes, clothes, and personal belongings away. So, I decided to spend my Sunday helping her get settled in. When she pulled up to my house, I immediately helped her bring all of her stuff inside and upstairs. After I got all of her things in the house, I asked my Grandma if I could helped her put everything away for her. She said "Yes, that would be a great help." It felt great it help someone who has done a lot for you in the past and get to help them in the future when you're older.
On December 3, 2021, I gave $5.00 to the Senior class for a dress down day. I want the Senior class to have the best year ever so giving them money is the least I could do. Also that day, I helped my old elementary and middle school set up for their annul Christmas concert. It felt nice to work in an environment that your familiar with.
On November 13, 2021, I gave up my Saturday to go grocery shopping for my mom. My mom had a stressful week, so I offered to go shopping for her. I have a ShopRite next to my house so it was walking distance and my Mom didn't need a whole lot of things. After I bought the groceries, I helped my mom put them away as well. My mom was very thankful of me to help her and thanked me for taking some stress off her back.
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On November 12, 2021, I helped my drama teacher at my school with his play. I helped build the set watched a dress rehearsal and gave notes back to the actors. I felt good to go back to my old school and help out my old teachers.
On November 7, 2021, I helped my friend clean up her backyard. She recently had a tree cut down and left many wood chipping on the ground. So I helped her pick up the wood, raked, and reorganized her garden. I had a fun time helping my friend and giving back to her when she has helped my in many different ways.
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On October 6, 2021, I volunteered to be a teacher's assistant at Spring School in Tenafly, NJ. I worked with 18 m/o to 2 1/2 y/o in the "Rainbow Room." The teacher I help names' was Ms. Debbie and I worked with her to 8:15-3:15. I got to spent time and watched with the kids, cleaned the classroom, walked around other classrooms to see if they needed help. I had a wonderful experience getting to know all the teachers and kids at Spring School and seeing what I was like to help others. I would definitely volunteer again.