It is incredibly hard to help the community when society is supposed to keep 6 feet away from everyone. COVID-19 revolutionized the schooling system, from self-taken yearbook photos to online pep rallies, the future of education seems to be unstable. One of the unchanging expectations that the school has for its students, is to complete at least 40 hours of community service in order to graduate. 

This brings up the question for high school students, “What are the possibilities to help others during the coronavirus pandemic?” There are a number of opportunities for students to help the community that are completely customizable to their priorities. Whether it is to find a safe and socially distant method or help people affected by the pandemic, there are thousands of people in need of help.

“This year has posed challenges like none-other,” said Brook Bentley, founder of the non-profit organization Homemade Hope. “For homeless families and those living in poverty, despair seems insurmountable.” Homemade Hope, before the pandemic, provided homeless children cooking lessons in order to develop skills and hobbies outside of school. With the precautions that people now have to take, the non-profit organization has made some adjustments in order to cope with the virus. “There are so many ways to give back,” said Bentley, when asked what people can do in order to help during this stressful time, “It can be anything from writing your teacher a note of appreciation to organizing a supply drive for those in need.” 

While taking into consideration the state that the world is currently in, there are still possible solutions that allow students to make an impact on others. Homemade Hope has placed a pause on in-class teaching and moved towards sending cooking videos, delivering food, and toiletries to unfortunate families during this stressful time. Just because circumstances have changed, doesn’t mean that you can’t help.

“This fall,” said Bently, “ Homemade Hope implemented Hope Pods (which is a  hands-on outdoor art and learning program). We saw children regressing cognitively, emotionally, and creatively.” The pandemic has not only been a threat to the health of others physically but mentally. High school students that excel in math, science, history, reading, or even languages, have the opportunity to help other students that are struggling in school. Specific to the Village School, Student Power is an organization that helps elementary and middle school students struggling in academics and provides them with tutors in highschool to help. With the current situation, Student Power has provided students a way to virtually help 

The pandemic should not stop students from helping people. Whether you need hours for high school or want to help your community, there are still opportunities that have still given you that chance to do so. By making food packages for the less fortunate, and helping kids who need help in school, COVID-19 has not stopped the possibilities of helping one another. Make sure to wash your hands, wear a mask, stay 6 feet away, and help the people around you. 

“By giving back at an early age, you learn early that one person can make a difference in the world,” said Bentley when asked of the importance of community service, “And the difference you make creates a ripple effect. You inspire others to give back and make an even bigger impact.”