Immediately following Thanksgiving Break a group of student volunteers begins work on the annual holiday drive, to benefit local families in a number of ways. After donations are collected, the group of student volunteers shops for: Toys – for local children in need; Food – for the local food bank; Clothing – for local families in need; Books – for local day care centers; Fill the wish lists for families adopted through the Adopt-a-Family Program, and through Women’s Support Services, the local agency supporting victims of domestic violence. Ms. Delgado will make announcements and e-mail about volunteer opportunities.
Holiday Gift Card Sale
Students often have a cause they are passionate about. This is an opportunity for them to raise awareness, and funds for that cause. Gift cards are sold which read: “A Donation has been made in your honor to….. (name of organization)”. Students will prepare a brief description of their favorite organization and design the card. In the past students have sold cards to support, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Lance Armstrong Foundation, International Medical Corps and others.
Carnival
Salisbury hosts an annual carnival attended by other boarding school students. A group of students helps to plan and staff the carnival. It is used as a fundraiser for a cause decided upon by the boys. Recipients in the past have been Tsunami relief efforts, Save Darfur Coalition, The International Medical Corps, The Hayley Elizabeth Scholarship Fund at Miss Porter’s School, The Central Asia Institute. Contact Ms. Delgado if you are interested in helping to plan this event.
Senior Service Day
All Seniors will be excused from morning classes in order to volunteer in our surrounding community. Volunteer activities will rang from painting, to reading but will all impact the greater good of the Salisbury Town community.
*The following organizations are on-going local opportunities for students to volunteer as it fits into their schedule. If you would like to volunteer please contact Ms. Delgado.
Time Out FoundationEquine assisted therapy; wilderness based mentoring.
Salisbury Recreation Commission
Assist in coaching youth sports
Owl’s Kitchen
The local food pantry needs a volunteer once/month to organize the food pantry.
Noble Horizons
Local retirement village and nursing facility. Volunteers may read to residents, visit, play cards, bingo, and assist with computer education.
Housatonic Child Care
Volunteers would work on activities, read aloud, restock supplies etc.
Lake Wononscopomuc Association
Data collection volunteers work 6-10 hours per month. Other activities are also available.
Little Guild of St. Francis
Volunteers needed at this animal shelter for cleaning and caring for dogs and cats.
Sharon Audubon
Volunteers needed for animal care, trail maintenance, plant removal and other activities including special events.
*If you are interested in getting involved with any of the following special interest programs or have your own ideas about projects please contact Ms. Delgado.
Equal Exchange’s Interfaith Program
Students have set up a program of sales to the Salisbury Community of Equal Exchange’s fairly traded coffee, chocolate and teas. Profits to benefit a charity of their choosing.
STAND
Student led division of Genocide Intervention
SADD
Students Against Drunk Driving
Women’s Support Services
Realizing the important role men must take in putting an end to domestic violence, student council has voted in 2009 and 2010, to become a Patron, of Trade Secrets, by donating the proceeds from the Valentine’s Day dance to Women’s Support Services. Trade Secrets is WSS’s annual fund raising event. Students also volunteer at the event itself.
Hunger Banquet
Students organize a banquet to raise awareness of of the problems of hunger and poverty.
Empty Bowl Dinner