Volunteering in The Pandemic

Abigael Reilly, Student Writer

COVID-19 has brought many setbacks to the community since it began its spread in the Bucks County area in March of 2020. It forced the closure of many schools, stopping all after school activities, including ones involving service opportunities. However even with these closures, there are still many people in the community that need help, which is now lacking because of the pandemic. 

School activities, such as National Honor Society (NHS) and Key Club, have either partially or completely eliminated parts of their programs. NHS has completely removed the volunteer requirement for its students this year and will not be removing anyone from the program. While Key Club still upholds the volunteer requirement for its students, they have had no general member meetings and all officer meetings have been held via zoom. This is a shift from the usual; all in person meetings, each with about 250 attending students, prior to the pandemic. 

Although people are forced to volunteer in different ways due to Covid restrictions, students are still finding ways to get involved and help others. Souderton High School Senior, Ella Kregel, volunteers at Calvary Church in the Bridge Ministries, which helps people with disabilities. Kregel stated, “I have only volunteered with Bridge Ministries during COVID, so I haven’t seen a change in volunteer hours, but I know many of my friends have struggled to find volunteer opportunities.” Organizations such as Calvary Church Kids, Bridge Ministries, and Key Club have noticed a decline in participants. Mrs. Hoffman, a Key Club advisor stated, “participants have definitely declined by at least 40, but it could be because of freshman class, which didn’t have a Key Club table during the 8th grade parent night.”

But the decline in participation means nothing for those willing to keep on serving. Hoffman stated that this has “encouraged new and ingenious ways to volunteer.” Key Club members have come up with new ways to complete their hours such as shoveling snow, making cards, virtual 5k’s, and decorating driveways. Some donations and collections are now even helping Key Club members to meet their 50 hour requirement. Last Chance Ranch as well as Care and Share provide volunteer opportunities for some Pennridge High School students, although the number of volunteers they are accepting is limited. 

Pennridge is even home to some clubs where service hours can be earned such as Library Aids and the Environmental Education Club. Library Aids are students who go to the Library during their study halls or after school to help out, typically about once a cycle. The Environmental Education Club has exhibited volunteer opportunities both in Pennridge, and in the community, as they were able to refurbish the courtyard, as well as changing recycling programs. 

Restrictions have eliminated some options, but it is important to stay involved in the community and volunteer whenever possible. Even in the pandemic, there are many people and organizations who still need help. Search for volunteer opportunities and make a difference in your community!