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St. Margaret’s students are involved in many service activities during the holidays. While we require students to complete 12 hours of community service each year, many students exceed that number. Our research shows that 90 percent of alumnae continue to participate as volunteers within their communities. Recently, Fay Gibian Lohr ’62, alumna and Board of Governors member, was named Fifty Plus Magazine’s 2008 Person of the Year for her leadership roles with the Central Virginia Foodbank and Meals on Wheels in Richmond. We asked current students to share their thoughts on giving this holiday season.
Alexandra Coleman ’10
This year, the economy has affected our country negatively, leaving many families without money for such necessities as food, clothes and a roof to live under. My mother suggested that we volunteer at a soup kitchen over break to try and help those who are less fortunate, and for my brother and me to reflect on the things we may take for granted. My brother and I actually stopped to think about the things for which we are thankful. Why does going to the soup kitchen even matter? It is important because everyone, the volunteers and the less fortunate, get something positive out of the experience.
Virginia Sawyer ’12
This year I rang the Salvation Army Bell in front of the local Wal-Mart. Community service is an important part of the holiday season and I remember always seeing the bell ringers each year. I thought this would be a good opportunity to give back to my local community and help those in need. This was a great learning opportunity because shoppers came up to us and talked about their own service experiences. I learned so much about other people and at the same time I knew that I was helping someone, somewhere, have a better Christmas.
Ivy Turner ’10
During the holidays I helped Basic Needs, a group at school that gives back to local families in need. Every year they give stockings to students and faculty who are willing to fill them with goodies for children whose holidays aren’t as fortunate as others. I decided to fill two stockings this year because I have experienced firsthand how it feels to not always have the things you need. If it weren’t for the help of my grandparents, I wouldn’t have had a house to live in, nice clothes to wear, or presents during the holidays. I am very lucky that I have my grandparents and realize that some children are not as fortunate. This is why I think it is very important to give back. It makes me feel like I could be helping a child like me that may not have grandparents like mine. It also makes me feel even more thankful for what I do have, and that I need to be sharing what I have with those less fortunate every day. The Christmas season always reminds me of the importance of giving.
Lexie Bruzgul ’13
Recently I volunteered to ring the Salvation Army Bell. I wished shoppers happy holidays and rang the bell along with several classmates for about two hours. While this might not seem glamorous, it is important to give back to your community. This particular service activity allowed me to help give others the same things for which I am thankful. I am thankful to have shelter, love and care in my life and know that others don’t always have that. Salvation Army bell ringers support people in need of food, shelter and love. I wanted to be part of that generosity this holiday season.
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