650 Serve
Guest Author
Northeast Precinct Commander Bret Smith recently told me about the efforts of people connected to Westside Christian High School. I asked Bret if someone would write a "guest blog" and let people know the details of the kind of volunteer efforts that make our community a better place for all. Rob Howells is the Director of Development at Westside Christian and has written our guest blog. Planning, organizing, and coordinating a volunteer effort involving 650 people is very impressive. Thank you to all for your contributions.
On October 22, 2005, over 650 students, parents, alumni and teachers from Westside Christian High School descended upon Portland's Old Town for their annual Serve-A-Thon project. Their efforts of the day benefited many of the missions and agencies that serve people who are homeless. The theme for this year's service project was "Hearts for the Homeless", and 2,995 hours of community service were accomplished in one day! From Blanchet House to Sisters of the Road Cafe, and from Portland Rescue Mission to Union Gospel Mission, major painting and cleaning were accomplished. The students raised funds that bought the hundreds of gallons of paint and materials used to do the work. Here are responses from representatives at some of the agencies:
Sisters of the Road Café: "It was a pleasure to meet the wonderful people involved with Westside Christian. Thank you for your time, energy, and service. Our offices sparkle, our kitchen is "kleen" and there are smiles everywhere."
Blanchet House of Hospitality: “To one and all, I don't have words to thank you enough!!! What an awesome thing you have done...This place looks BEAUTIFUL! What a wonderful group and effort. We are truly overwhelmed and blessed. THANK YOU ALL.”
Two men in the recovery program at Portland Rescue Mission wrote: "Thank you for your awesome job on the mission...It's more homey now!" and "...your sacrifice will be remembered for a long time..."
St. Vincent DePaul Downtown Chapel: "So many hard working people! So much work done! Even the closets - down to the last shelf - are organized."
Beginning with a 7:30 morning rally at 2nd and Davis, the 650+ people divided up into 24 teams assigned to various locations throughout Old Town. By 8:15, painting, cleaning and pressure washing had begun in earnest. The planning had begun months earlier and included painting professionals, an interior designer, contractors and electricians.
Last year the school provided community service at Madison and Jefferson High Schools, Red Cross, NW Children's Outreach, and many others. Opened in 1981, Westside Christian High School has 300 students attending grades 9-12. The high school is located on Carman Drive in Lake Oswego and is celebrating its 25th year.
Rob Howells
Director of Development
Westside Christian High School
4565 Carman Drive
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Posted by Guest Author on November 18, 2005
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