Greenheart Club volunteering surges over the holidays

By: Molly Friend, Greenheart Outreach Coordinator

Each year during the holiday season we are reminded of the less fortunate and inspired to give back. Our Greenheart Club members, who are exchange students that actively volunteer, jumped into this positive energy of holiday volunteering.  In the month of December alone our Greenheart Club volunteered nearly 1,000 hours! The service projects varied from ringing Salvation Army bells to wrapping presents as fundraisers for non-profit organizations, caroling for elderly, and much more. Below are photos from two Greenheart projects organized by Local Coordinators.

Jim Piechowski, a Local Coordinator in Southwestern Wisconsin, brought a group of three exchange students together with their host families to volunteer at a Christmas party for Variety a Children’s Charity that benefits children with disabilities. The students volunteered by organizing goodies bags and snacks to be enjoyed while watching a movie!

In Texas, Teresa Rodgers a Local Coordinator had her four exchange students participate in service project to benefit Operation Blessing an organization that helps people living in poverty. The students wrapped presents for monetary donations in a local Walgreens and also collected donations of canned goods and warm clothing. Together they raised $1500 and lots of food and clothing. In addition to wrapping presents, the exchange students dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus so children could have their pictures taken free of charge. Santa and Mrs. Claus also visited a local nursing home.

Let’s bring that volunteering spirit and energy with us throughout 2013!