Although it is not mandatory for students at Chenery Middle School to perform community service hours, many students still choose to do so. No task is too big or too small. In the past, some students have gone out on their own and found a way to help a neighbor in need. Others have more formally found organizations in need of volunteers (ex. Food pantry, animal shelter, summer camp, etc.). Although there are occasionally volunteering opportunities in the community presented to students (usually via the CMS weekly list-serv that gets e-mailed out on Fridays), most hours are found independently. That said, the following awards are presented to Grade 6-8 students who meet the following requirements:

The Community Service Club is open to all 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys and girls, and works to organize programs that benefit others. In addition to scheduled meetings, students are required to volunteer additional time running community service projects such as:

• Organizing an annual Food Drive to benefit the Belmont Food Pantry (in December)
• Administering a “Penny Drive” in conjunction with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (in March)
• Brainstorming and implementing new ideas

The club provides an opportunity for students to participate in altruistic activities that cultivate a sense of empathy, while assisting community members in need.

As an added bonus, all community service club activities count towards community service hours.