The Service Club is an organization at Hinsdale Central where students have opportunities to volunteer for the community and complete service projects. On Oct. 26, Central students will participate in a packing event for the non-profit charity Feed My Starving Children at Hinsdale Central.
Students will also be able to travel to the Hinsdale Public Library, the Northern IL Food Bank, a local benefit run, and Sharing Connections Furniture Bank to volunteer.
The club also partners with many organizations during the school year, which includes the Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Westmont and Oak Brook Park Districts, the Outreach House, The Wellness House, SEASPAR, the Backpack Project, the People’s Resource Center, local libraries, Feed My Starving Children and the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
The Service Club hosts meetings every other Monday after school. Many meetings are brief as members designate roles for upcoming events and talk about different possible service projects. Other meetings are longer as students are able to complete small service projects for members of the community.
“Typically we discuss upcoming volunteer opportunities in the community and then complete some kind of small service project during our meetings,” said Sara Pendergrass, co-sponsor of the Red Devil Service Club. “For example, a couple of weeks ago we painted puffy paint non-slip socks for kids who are hospitalized. We have also made tie blankets, written cards to senior citizens, and made paracord bracelets for first responders and veterans.”
Students in the Red Devil Service Club feel fulfilled about being an active member of society and serving a purpose for the community.
“[The club] gives you so many opportunities to serve your community, not just for hours but to be a good person. I’ve met so many different people through my volunteering, and it really gives you a sense of fulfillment to know you’ve helped someone out, no matter how small your role,” said Teagan Manning, vice president of the Red Devil Service Club.
Members of the club also say that there is a supportive sense of community for students in the club.
“I feel like we have a great sense of community when it comes to showing up/ participating in volunteering events. Everyone comes out for Day of Service, and I’ve talked to many people in the club that I didn’t know before at that event and they were all super nice,” Manning said.
Students at Hinsdale Central who are not in the Service Club still value volunteering and service work.
“I think it’s important for students at Hinsdale Central to volunteer because it is a very positive experience and it is also good for college and meeting new people,” said Christy O’Malley, junior.
Members of the service club want to get more students involved with the Service Club this school year to make an impact on the community and have fun!
To learn more about Red Devil Service Club, follow this link.
