Volunteerism & Individual Action
See past volunteer projects Smithson Valley High School Chapter Members have completed as well as individual action students are taking this year to help give back!
2019-2020 School Year: Volunteer Projects
Smithson Valley High School students created 24 chemo care kits to benefit patients in treatment at the Texas Oncology Center in San Antonio. Thirty students participated assembling the kits with items like lip balm, scarves, and activity books to help them feel more comfortable while in chemotherapy sessions. Students also hand painted each bag to add a personalized touch to them. Afterwards, 15 students were motivated by the project to run in the Relay for Life event in their county to raise money that benefits cancer research.
With addiction being one of the most prevalent diseases in the US today, student members decided to stand with those struggling by assembling sobriety support packs. In addition to their hand-written motivational cards, these packs included personal items, hygiene products, and, of course, a 10-pack of Promise Cards. Student members received around $450 dollars worth of donations and were able to assemble 48 packs to distribute to Rise Recovery, a local nonprofit "dedicated to helping teens, young adults, and families overcome the effects of drugs and alcohol". Student leaders reflected on the experience saying that the cards they all wrote made a stronger, more apparent connection between themselves and the teens who received the bags.
Twenty-nine students recognized their custodial staff within their school. Students gathered to create posters shouting-out their appreciation. In addition, they provided a ‘snack break’ break room for both AM and PM janitors, complete with salty snacks, sweet treats, and sodas for all their custodians who deserve a much-needed break. SVHS informed us that Comal ISD is well-known in Texas as having a very high turnover rate with their custodial staff. This causes a constant short-staffing situation, which means a lot of custodians are overworked both in their duties and in the hours they work.