Beaufort and Jasper Counties Shine on JPII Day of Service
In the charming town of Bluffton, students, faculty, and staff from John Paul II Catholic School took time out of their day on October 21 to bring a little sunshine to the community. The school set out for their **_annual JPII Day of Service_**, a heartwarming tradition that involved partnering with over 24 local organizations across Beaufort and Jasper counties. This year, the school proudly declared it the most ambitious outreach event in its history!
“A day like today means helping others while doing good acts, which makes me feel good,” said Connor Brown, a senior at JPII from Bluffton. It’s not just about the tasks at hand; it’s about bringing a sense of joy to the community, and it’s clear that this sentiment resonated deeply with all the participants.
A Multitude of Projects
From environmental conservation to hunger relief, and from elderly care to animal rescue, this year’s Day of Service showcased a rich tapestry of volunteer opportunities. Each group of students made their way to various local organizations, each focused on a specific mission, making countless strides in their communities. Some students journeyed to the Agape Family Life Center in Hardeeville, where they worked to unload a food truck and clean up around the facility.
Over in Ridgeland, volunteers at the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission got their hands dirty assembling kennels and helping with cleanup, while others at Mercy Mission sorted clothes and tidied up. These diverse endeavors reflect a community coming together for a cause much larger than themselves.
Learning and Serving Hand in Hand
Trice McClure, a JPII senior and Ridgeland resident, expresses her appreciation through her efforts. “To me, the JPII Day of Service is a way I can give back to my community with my friends,” she remarked, smiling as she reflected on the experience. “It allows me to gain a better appreciation for everything that I have been given.”
At Jaxville Cemetery in Bluffton, students like McClure had the honor of sweeping clean the grounds, an essential task that often goes unnoticed but holds great importance. Bluffton Councilwoman Bridgette Frazier made a special visit to greet the hardworking students, thanking them for their dedication and service.
An Enjoyable Experience for All
When speaking with Alejandro Fernandez, a junior at JPII and fellow Bluffton resident, he shared just how much fun the day turned out to be. “I think that all our students feel good participating in our Day of Service,” he said enthusiastically. “Everyone is having a great time. Service is fun. It doesn’t have to be manual labor. We are out here having fun with our friends and we are all taking something good out of it.” And isn’t that the beauty of community service? Finding joy and camaraderie while making a difference.
Putting Faith into Action
Principal Heather Rembold highlighted the significance of the Day of Service as an opportunity to not only give back but to “put our faith into action as ambassadors for Christ.” The event wasn’t just about completing service projects; it served as a rich learning experience for students, teaching them the value of community service and how to live out their values in real, tangible ways.
As the sun set on October 21, it was clear that the efforts of John Paul II Catholic School had not only brightened the day for those they served but had created a lasting impact on the students themselves. Community service is more than an event; it’s a way of life, and in Bluffton, the spirit of giving back will undoubtedly continue to thrive.
