All photos were taken before COVID.
Amidst a world that feels as if it is all but completely shut down, many have taken the opportunity to rise up and reach out to serve people in need through simple acts of service. The members of Trinity Pacific Christian School’s Service Club have been volunteering in our community for the past ten years and are refusing to let current events put a standstill to caring for those in need.
“People have always needed help; now the pandemic has caused an even greater need,” said Bethany Rockland, a club volunteer for the past year.
Club President Micah Swartz, along with previous President Julia Cendejas, have led the club in volunteering for the past three years at organizations and programs such as Child Hope Services, My Stuff Bags Foundation, For the Troops, and countless others.
For its leaders and members, Service Club is an outlet to apply their values to everyday life. In the words of club President Micah Swartz, “Service Club has always been very important. …Jesus came down to this earth to serve, not to be served; and we are trying to replicate that.” And so they continue to serve, even in the midst of the pandemic. Micah continued, “It is imperative for us to demonstrate love…and encourage people that they are not alone and there is hope.” These words are the driving force behind everything Service Club does.
Service Club meets once a month during the school year to volunteer on a selected project. Club members donate their time to lessen the workload of hardworking, community centered organizations by doing anything from sorting diapers or donated clothes for foster children and hand boxing care packages for our military troops to sorting toys for low income families during the holidays. They gladly offer their hands to help in any way necessary.
Since the onset of the pandemic, they have continued to volunteer and work with organizations, as health guidelines permit. Social distancing and working outside pose no problem to club members, showing just what’s possible with a servant’s heart. Despite the fact that many programs at which they had previously volunteered have been suspended due to the COVID-19 shutdown, Trinity Pacific Christian School’s Service Club continues to find new ways to serve the community and to share their message.
Supporting the Troops: Trinity Christian Service Club helps pack care packages to send to the troops through the For The Troops organization. For The Troops has sent over 231,000 care packages to deployed troops. This local organization is based in Simi Valley and was started by military wife Paula Cornell and co-founded with Janie Josephson.
Serving at Joni and Friends: Trinity Christian Service Club visits Joni and Friends to help serve and learn about the essential work that is being done. Joni and Friends is committed to serving those with disabilities.
