Helping Out For The Holidays

The Pleasantville Cottage School

On Saturday, a small group of Pace students didn’t let the cold weather get to them as they set off to do some community service.

Leaving the D.J. Henry Clocktower at about 11:45 a.m., students who decided to volunteer spent their time with some of the kids who reside at the Pleasantville Cottage School. Pleasantville Cottage School was opened in 1912, and provides kids who have been victims of abuse, drugs, violence, have developmental diseases, and other issues, with a caring staff and place to live. All of the residents there are between 7 and 21 years old.

After listening to some of the staff members talk about the school and what to expect, volunteers jumped right in. For about the next hour, the group spent their time decorating the room, playing games like Monopoly or Jenga, or making bracelets. The volunteers and residents spent their time getting to know each other, talking about things like what kind of music they like, or learning about their upcoming school play.

Students seemed to have enjoyed the experience, and were glad they attended at the end of it.

“I did this last year, and I love doing it. It’s just a great way to spend some time with the kids and do something good during the holiday season.” said one junior attendee.

The event was put on by the Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR), and coordinated by Tyler Kalahar. While this is the last Pace volunteer trip planned for this semester, there will be more next semester for anyone interested in attending and helping out.