During the holiday season, Seattle Prep students often find themselves with an abundance of downtime to rest and spend time with family and friends, but can this spare time also be utilized to have an impact? The answer to this question is yes! In the Seattle area, there is a wide variety of volunteer and service organizations that are both easily accessible, and in desperate need of support as the temperatures drop and the gift-giving season begins.
“I would immediately suggest organizations like West Side Baby and Treehouse, which both have a massive holiday drive and are in need of volunteers to sort donations. I’d also recommend organizations that do special gift drives, like Pike Place Market’s giving tree program”, responded Christian Service Director Ms. Miller when asked where she would direct a Prep student in search of a place to volunteer during Thanksgiving or Christmas break.
These are just a few examples of organizations doing important work throughout the holiday season, however. Students can also find a comprehensive list of service opportunities specific to their interests and locations on the United Way of King County’s website, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating equity within the King County area.
“We experience these holidays from the perspective of faith because we’re reminded of all the blessings that we have, and in that gratitude we choose to give” Miller said. As Prep students work to complete their service requirements with the themes of their respective grades in mind, the holiday season can emphasize why giving back is so important, and encourage students to go beyond what is being asked of them.
“When volunteering at the Queen Anne Food Bank during the holidays, I noticed how there were a lot more activities going on at that time but that meant more help was needed as well” described Ariana Levich ’27 about her personal experience with volunteering during Thanksgiving and Christmas break.
While there is a high demand for volunteers during the holiday season, the needs of the poor and vulnerable persist once the Christmas trees are taken down. Apart from this special time of giving, Prep students should aspire to have a year-round impact.
“A lot of these organizations have a real need at the holidays, but I would also encourage us to think about how we can bring that spirit to January and February when there aren’t holidays that necessarily remind us to be good stewards of the blessing we’ve been given in service”, Miller explained.
The holiday season is a time to reflect on everything there is to be grateful for, but it is also a call to action to provide those same blessings for those in need. As this time off from school approaches, Prep students can look forward to enjoying the holidays while also finding ways to act in the spirit of giving and offer support to others.
