Opportunities for volunteering exist throughout the year, especially during the holiday season. People traditionally help in soup kitchens and shelters, but most do not have the time to  regularly help on a weekly or monthly basis. Still, others yearn to donate or offer support for those who are less fortunate and give their time and effort during the holiday season.

Some people volunteer with their families but many volunteer through groups, including community service groups. Eight Leo club members with their sponsors, the Kamehameha Lions Club,  helped at the Liliha-Palama Christmas parade, where they spread holiday cheer.

National Honor Society members will attend the Loliana Hale Christmas party on Dec. 11, spending time with residents.  Loliana Hale is a transitional housing shelter for families which has been supported by the Academy for over 20 years.

Soroptimist club will have two events on Dec. 21, manning kettles to collect money for the Salvation Army and the Jingle Rock Run for the Make-a-Wish Foundation at Kakaako Waterfront.

Junior Kindergarten is volunteering during the holiday season as well. The classes bake doggie biscuits for the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Since Academy students have to complete 25 hours of service each school year, many find it convenient to volunteer during the holidays when the focus is on giving and not receiving.

Senior Tiffany Atud said, “My dad is a firefighter and every year we do a different type of community service project with the department. This year the Fire Department is giving a select group of kids $200 gift certificates. I will be helping the kids around the store with choosing gifts and necessities that they want.”

Donating monetary gifts and time are great ways to accomplish a good deed during the holidays. However, there are other ways to volunteer including delivering food or singing Christmas carols.

Sophomore Nikaela Busekrus said, “During the holidays my sisters and I sing Christmas carols with our prayer group from our neighborhood- People of Praise.”

Freshman Alex Yawata said, “On Christmas morning my family and I go to the homeless shelter on the pier, dressed up in elf costumes and hand out presents to the children.”

Community service is a healthy family activity that can be practiced throughout the year. Simple acts of kindness can really impact an individual’s life.