The Giving Me

Day 1

On our first day of project week, The Giving Me group of volunteers spent the morning at a thrift store in Lebanon, NH. We learned how they sort donated clothes and other items, manage employees and volunteer efforts, and run daily operations. Half of us worked downstairs sorting bins of clothes, preparing them for hanging in the retail sections of the store. The other half of us worked upstairs placing sorted items on display.   In the afternoon, we went to a soup kitchen in Claremont, NH where we were split up into smaller groups to do various jobs. Some of us vacuumed, swept and mopped the floors while others cleaned tables and picked up trash outside. Another group helped in the kitchen with food prep for the day’s meal offerings. Finally, we spent some time with the Executive Director learning about the operations of the soup kitchen and how they serve the local community with daily and special holiday meals throughout the year, we also learned about their extensive food pantry operations.    Overall, both organizations gave us an inside look how they help the people in their communities through the generosity of donors and the extensive work of volunteers.

Day 2

This morning, we made a trip to Manchester, NH to visit a Make-A-Wish Foundation warehouse. There, we learned about some of the operations of this organization from one of their lead volunteers. We organized the front room that was designated for quick grab-and-go gift bags for events. We also sorted banners and their fabric bags and made sure they were labeled correctly. We did inventory and sorted PILES of toys, supplies and equipment.    In the afternoon, we headed to a homeless shelter for teens and young adults. We learned a lot about the different rules and precautions that they must take as an organization to keep their non-profit running and to keep everyone safe. After we talked with the supervisor and got a tour of the sleeping area, we cleaned the living area, kitchen, food pantry, laundry area, windows, and floors. This was a very eye-opening experience for us all.

A Day of Service at the Seacoast Science Center On day three of Project Week, our group traveled to the Seacoast Science Center to spend the day learning and giving back. While there, we volunteered alongside the center’s staff, helping clean and prepare the facility for future visitors and events. One of our main tasks was getting the conference space ready for upcoming gatherings. We took pride in making sure the room was clean, organized, and welcoming. Even though it was a cold day along the shore, we also spent time outside picking up trash around the property—an experience that reminded us how important it is to care for the coastal environment. In addition to cleaning, we helped prepare a craft activity that children visiting the center would assemble later that evening. Knowing that our work would help create a fun and educational experience for younger visitors made the effort even more rewarding. Throughout the day, we also learned about the important role volunteers play in helping nonprofit organizations operate successfully. From maintaining facilities to supporting educational programming, volunteers help make it possible for places like the Seacoast Science Center to serve the community. Spending the day learning about ocean life, volunteering our time, and supporting an organization dedicated to environmental education made for a meaningful and enjoyable third day of Project Week.

Day 3

Day 4

Today, we went to Paul Smith Elementary School in Franklin, NH and were split into groups to work on sorting and labelling books in the library, helping fourth graders with reading and math, and running PE classes for the youngest students. The day was a lot of work, but super fun and very eventful for all of us. It was definitely very entertaining to hang out with the little kids!

Day 5

A Meaningful Visit to the Veterans’ Home Recently, our group had the opportunity to visit the New Hampshire Veterans’ Home for a day of community service and connection. The visit was a rewarding experience that allowed us to spend time with the residents while learning firsthand how important it is to support those who have served our country. During our time at the Veterans’ Home, we focused on interacting with the residents and creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere. We played card games together, which sparked friendly competition and plenty of laughter. Some residents joined us for a lively game of Twister, while others participated in a game of volleyball. These simple activities created meaningful moments of connection and gave us the chance to hear stories, share conversations, and enjoy each other’s company. One of the most powerful parts of the visit was seeing how much the residents appreciated the interaction. For many of them, having visitors brings a welcome change to their daily routine. Spending time together showed us that community service is not just about completing a task—it is about building relationships and making people feel valued and remembered. Volunteering also reminded us of the many benefits of community service. By giving our time, we were able to positively impact the lives of others while also gaining a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made. Community service helps strengthen communities, encourages empathy, and teaches the importance of helping those who may need extra support. Our visit to the Veterans’ Home was a memorable experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved. It showed us that even small acts—playing a game, sharing a laugh, or simply spending time together—can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. Experiences like this remind us that giving back to our community is not only important, but also incredibly rewarding.