Inaugural Big Service Day a Big Success
At Chandler School, along with strong academics, our students develop compassion and a sense of caring. Our students exhibit a true desire to help and give back to their community. There is no better example of that than Chandler’s inaugural Big Service Day, which took place on Saturday, May 2.
At Chandler School, along with strong academics, our students develop compassion and a sense of caring. Our students exhibit a true desire to help and give back to their community. There is no better example of that than Chandler’s inaugural Big Service Day, which took place on Saturday, May 2.
Close to 100 students from all grades teamed up with their parents, faculty and staff to create about 1,000 hygiene kits, 350 sack lunches and a dozen blankets to help those less fortunate.
Local nonprofits My Friend's Place and Union Station Homeless Services benefitted from the event, and representatives spoke at Big Service Day about their organizations.
Union Station’s Director of Volunteer and Community Programs, Octavia Sisley, introduced a special guest named Jerome. He shared his inspirational story of going from being homeless and needing support from Union Station, to returning to school at the age of 34 and eventually becoming a lawyer who gives back to his community.
Chandler alumni Susan Zeren Dutra ’94, who is the Director of Development for My Friend’s Place, described how her organization makes a difference in the lives of homeless young people in Hollywood.
Students who took part in Big Service Day explained why they wanted to give back and help their community:
“I think it’s important. So many people don’t have as much as some of us have. It’s the least we can do.”
-Lauren G., Sixth Grade
“Because, if you don’t help others, what good is it?”
-Jackson H., First Grade
“It really helps both sides. We enjoy giving and they get something they really need.”
-William F., Sixth Grade
“Some people aren’t as fortunate as us. We are able to help, and it makes us feel really good.”
-Kabir B., Third Grade
To celebrate and recognize the efforts of our students, Friday, May 8 will be a pajama day for the whole school. (Students who prefer to wear free dress may do so!)
For more photos of Big Service and other events click here to visit the official Chandler School Facebook page.
