AVID sophomores joined forces for a new community service project this year:  making plastic mats for the homeless.

The classes are making two mats collectively and will donate them to local shelters in hopes they will be distributed to people living on the streets. 

Students cut, tie, and crochet used plastic grocery bags to eventually create a 6 foot by 4 foot mat that is big enough for a person to sleep on. This community service project teaches students about compassion and allows them to think about the community around them. 

AVID teacher Ms. Susan Eastin believes that volunteering in high school is needed for students to understand the importance of giving back to the community. “This is the community and they need to see the beauty, the challenges, and be able to give back to those who are indigent,” Eastin shared.

Students are excited about the opportunity to learn more about different volunteer opportunities that can help them with their goals of going to college. “I feel really honored to be helping the community while also having an opportunity to think about my future volunteer work before college,” AVID sophomore Edwin Flores explained. 

Students are happy to donate their time to an important cause. “As students, not all of us have money to donate (objects)  so donating our time is a great way to benefit the community. Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the homeless, it also is a good way for us to learn that not everything we do has to have a paycheck in the end,”  AVID sophomore Ethan Villeda shared.

Along with volunteer work, some students will learn new skills such as crocheting and teamwork. Eastin hopes the mats will be completed before Spring Break. With students working diligently on Mondays, the goal is on track to being completed.