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Time off? Hardly
[Photo: Ferdian L. Jap]
Osceola High School students Ni Kim, with book, Kim Conaway, Theresa Bowen and Andrea Vest share their love of reading with children at Community Pride Child Care in Clearwater. |
By FERDIAN L. JAP
© St. Petersburg Times
published December 31, 2001
These teens love to volunteer during winter break, helping take care of the little ones at a Clearwater day care center.
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Winter break means spending time with family and friends, and if you're lucky, enjoying some cooler weather. For the students of Osceola High School's National Honor Society, the break from classes also means time to volunteer.
Some students who like to give their time to help others recently volunteered at Community Pride Child Care at 211 S Missouri Ave. in Clearwater. Community Pride Child Care is a nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost year-round child care to families with low or moderate incomes.
The Osceola students spent their time at the center reading and playing with the kids. "One day I want to be a teacher," said senior Kim Conaway, 17. "This is a great experience for me."
Andrea Vest and Theresa Bowen, both 17 and seniors, agree about the value of volunteering. "This is a great opportunity be able to reach out and help younger kids in our community," said Andrea.
The kids at the center range from 8 weeks to 6 years. The older ones especially appreciate the time that the high school students spend with them and beg the volunteers to return to play.
"This has been a wonderful experience for all of us," said 16-year-old senior Ni Kim. "We sure will be back!"
If you want to help out at the Community Pride Child Care Center, you may contact Nedra Hill at (727) 443-0958, or you can make donations to the center, such as books, snacks and toys, because private contributions are essential for their successful operation.
There are many other agencies, programs and local events needing volunteers as well. All you have to do is to dial three numbers, 211, to reach the 2-1-1 Volunteer Connection, and ask where you can make a difference.
"Volunteering is a win-win situation," said Larry Finn, 16, an Osceola senior.
- Ferdian L. Jap, 16, is in the 12th grade at Osceola High School where he is a member of the National Honor Society.
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