This year, Mount Vernon kicked offΒ Year of Impact, a year-long integration of service that began on September 11. Through this initiative, the community will commit to loggingΒ 50,000Β hours of selfless service through May 11, 2022.
Almost two months intoΒ Year of Impact, the Mount Vernon community has already logged 500 hours of service.
Lower School Visual Arts Teacher/Yearbook Coordinator Megan Lentz has taken advantage of this service initiative by giving back to an organization close to her heart, Furkids – Georgiaβs largest no-kill shelter. She chose this nonprofit after her βfur soulmateβ Gus passed away this summer.Β
βI wanted to help other cats in memory of him and the connection we shared,βΒ Megan said. βI spend three hours, twice a month volunteering at the Petsmart at Perimeter where I let the cats out for a cage break, clean their cages, and attend to any needs they may have. Part of the job is showcasing these sweet cats to prospective families so they can find their βfureverβ home.
βI recommend volunteering because it just puts good energy out in the world. When you send out the love, it finds its way back to you in other ways and it just feels good.βΒ
One of the best parts ofΒ Year of ImpactΒ is that it allows families and individuals to choose any not-for-profit organization that they feel connected to.Β
In addition to doing service projects off-campus, some Mustangs are even looking on campus for opportunities. In the Lower School, thereβs a dedicated spot in the hallway that highlights studentsβ acts of service.Β
Grade 5 students in Mrs. Edwardsβ class jumped in to help the cafeteria staff put together lunch samples. Wanting to fill a need, they asked if they could help get the job done. In Grade 1, Amelia likes to look around the courtyard and The Frontier while at recess and pick up any trash laying around campus.Β
As more Lower Campus Mustangs complete service projects, they will be added to the display.
In the Preschool, PK3 students in Ms. Ashley and Ms. Katherineβs class made cheerful placemats for their friends atΒ Meals of Wheels. They colored sheets with positive messages like, βYou are loved!βΒ and βBe Brave!βΒ to be laminated and delivered along with meals to MOW recipients. Their work towards preparing materials and customizing each placemat earned 20 hours to the community total!
With Fall upon us and the temperatures beginning to drop, Mount Vernon faculty and staff are participating in a coat drive this month, working directly withΒ One Warm CoatΒ to donate jackets to those in need in our community.
In the Upper School, National Honor Society and the Interact Club partnered together on a new service event calledΒ Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy Giveback. Following Halloween, students were encouraged to donate new candy to send to military troops across seas.
As we move further into this season of gratitude and thanks, join the community as we serve together! If you have volunteered this year or have an ongoing service commitment, make sure to log your hours by completing theΒ MV Impact Hours form. If you have questions or want to become more involved with MV Serves, reach out to Director of Community Impact Hunter Pierce –Β [email protected].
Unsure how to track your hours? Use this as your guide.
Collection Drive:Β
βNewβ Item = 2 hours
βUsedβ Item = 1 hour
5 Food items = 1 hour
Volunteer Service:Β
Duration of time x Number of people = total impact hours
Charitable Events:Β
All events will receive a minimum of 3 hours (walks/runs, parties, galas, baby showers, fundraising events)
