This past Saturday, many of Niles West’s student activities associations participated in Wolfpack Gives Back, a day in which many students participated in volunteer opportunities with their club or sports team sponsor.

“We had about 120 students come from 8:30 until noon. We had various groups go out into the community, while some stayed here. Boys’ basketball helped at the clothing closet, yearbook helped at the library, cheerleading went to Connections for the Homeless, and other group s stayed here. Many bagged lunches for the food pantry. We had a group make dog toys and blankets for Wright Way, and another made pillows for breast cancer patients,” Director of Student Activities Katie Odell said.

For students who want to participate in the future, it’s recommended to get sponsors involved, as going out into the community requires supervision and adult sponsorship.

“I try to limit the amount of students who aren’t connected to a group to sign up; the reason being when you go out into the community, we need an adult that’s going to be in charge. We try to encourage students to get their club, activity, or sport to want to do the event because we need to make sure everyone’s matched up with their sponsor and coach when they go out into the community,” Ms. Odell said.

Many students who participate in these coordinated volunteer efforts have been complimentary and want to participate again in the future. Plenty come away with a heightened understanding and awareness of the importance of giving back to the community.

“I think that it’s important to come together as a school to give back to our community. It’s a really amazing feeling to be part of something so much bigger than yourself and know that it’s helping people,” junior Libby de Klerk said.

Wolfpack Gives Back events also serve to help students acquire needed volunteer hours. To participate, look out for the next signup email from Ms. Odell.

“Volunteering is extremely important in today’s day and age. While helping the less fortunate, we grow as human beings by not accepting any rewards for our work toward the cause. Instead, we gain friendships and experiences, which are in my opinion, priceless,” junior Agata Soltys said.