WeServe Club Awarded for Youth Philanthropy

We are proud of the hard work and dedication of the club’s sponsors, leaders, and students. Their commitments have made an impact in Harrisonburg, and beyond. WeServe contributes actively throughout the school year to many organizations, encouraging them through their service and fundraising efforts. A new initiative in May 2024 brought student groups together in new ways. WeServe collaborated with two other student clubs, Model UN and the Student Council Organization, to bring Rise Against Hunger (RAH) to EMS. RAH is committed to ending hunger globally. They offer meal packaging events where volunteers experience “lasting, real-life impact.”

A club member noted, “by not making an effort to make the world a better place, we hold some responsibility for its condition.” 

“They rallied support and raised $4,100 the first year and $8,000 the second through generous contributions to fund the event’s supplies.  They pulled together 100 volunteers, including students, teachers, staff, and family members, packing over 10,000 meals the first year (enough to feed 47 children for a full year) and 20,000 the second,” said Paul Leaman, who nominated the club. They hope to even surpass that ambitious goal this year!

Types of service for the We Serve Club include:

• Roadside Clean up
• Packaging Meals
• Helping Around Campus
• Service to local Non Profits
• Aiding VMRC residents
• Volunteering with Mennonite Disaster Relief Service
• Serving stew at Mennonite Relief Sale

Leaman said, “Service and philanthropy can create a positive impact on the lives of people served. Service also changes the heart of the one doing service. Especially for youth in service, the benefit goes both ways as our future leaders develop essential skills like compassion, integrity, and understanding.”