The Impact of Volunteering
Volunteering is more than an act of kindness; it’s a powerful way to connect with others and learn valuable life lessons. The Ruth Group from Cumorah Academy experienced this firsthand when they dedicated their time to sorting food and engaging with their community. Their service project at the Barborka Food Bank not only provided essential support to those in need but also fostered a sense of unity and purpose among the students. This journey of service highlights the profound impact of giving back and the importance of social responsibility.
Sorting Food
As soon as the Ruth group arrived, they were eager to work. They started by sorting boxes of garlic, cucumbers, and potatoes. After separating the good food from the bad, they packaged everything into boxes ready to be delivered to those in need within the community.
Lia, a student from the Philippines, described the experience as a beautiful blend of “fun” and the humbling realization of the immense need served by food banks. Lia’s reflection underscores the importance of service projects in fostering a sense of social responsibility among Cumorah Academy students.
“It was fun, but at the same time an overwhelming experience! I would love to do it again. Always grab the opportunity to serve others in need, because it is also God’s commandment to love thy neighbor.”
The Ruth group had a lot of fun singing along to music as they sorted cucumbers, packaged potatoes, and stacked boxes of garlic. This activity helped the group bond and made a positive impact not only on the group members’ lives but also on the lives of those they were helping to feed.
Nora from Mexico shared, “During our service project, I could see the power of teamwork, not only in the efficiency with which we sorted fruits and vegetables but also in the connections we formed with the people of the organization. I truly believe that sharing is caring.”
Connections with the Community
Beyond the vital task of sorting food, the Ruth group also had the opportunity to connect with the leaders of the Barborka Food Bank and special needs individuals there.
After the students finished packing food, the Ruth group went inside to color, play games, and converse with the food bank’s leaders and individuals with special needs. This second aspect of their service project provided an opportunity for meaningful connections, filled with smiles, laughter, and hugs.
Not only did students engage in activities like origami, card games, and coloring, but they also fostered genuine connections with others, concluding their time at the food bank on a heartwarming note.
Nicola, a student from Japan, highlighted the touching aspect of these interactions. Nicola noted how smiles transcended language barriers, fostering a deep sense of connection and shared humanity. This aligns perfectly with the Academy’s mission to cultivate well-rounded individuals who embrace diversity and mutual understanding.
She said, “Something I learned from this experience is that smiles connect our hearts, even across language barriers. I enjoyed spending time with these amazing individuals. Greeting them, playing with beads, and teaching them origami was incredibly fulfilling. Seeing their enjoyment was truly heartwarming.”
Serving the Community
For Cristina, a student from Italy and the SLI of Ruth, the project offered a unique perspective. Having volunteered at the food bank previously, Cristina observed the unwavering “spirit of service” that transcends individual groups. She also commended the Ruth group’s teamwork, emphasizing how they balanced productivity with enjoying their time together. Cristina’s experience showcases how these service projects nurture valuable life skills like collaboration and appreciation for teamwork.
As she put it, “I realized that the spirit of service remains constant—the willingness to help. The Ruth group worked cohesively and enjoyed their time together. I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
Empowering Through Service
The Ruth group’s service project exemplifies Cumorah Academy’s dedication to fostering social responsibility among its students. By dedicating their time and energy, the group not only provided crucial support but also gained profound insights into empathy, community importance, and the power of human connection. This experience perfectly aligns with the Academy’s mission to develop well-rounded individuals committed to making a positive impact in the world. Through their efforts, the Ruth group demonstrated that service is a transformative force, enriching both those who give and those who receive.
You can see a little of the service project in the following clip:
Written by Mack Fontano
Hi! I’m Mack, the content creator intern at Cumorah Academy for the Spring 2024 semester! I am from Utah in the United States and recently graduated from college in Communications and Digital Marketing. I love reading, writing – especially poetry, and drawing and I collect stickers!
Photos by Camila Caraveo
Supervision by Kamila Uberto Fullmer
