Three Decades of Service to the Community

Every year since 1983, the students, parents and staff of Boca Raton Christian School have designated a special time of service to the community. This year over 250 students and over 120 adults participated in a marathon day of service known as SERVE-A-Thon, on Saturday, April 6, 2013. In the weeks leading up to SERVE-A-Thon supplies needed for the projects were collected. All items that were used in the service projects were contributed by school families; no outside solicitations were made. Each class spends time learning about the project they are doing, who the recipients are, why they need help, and how the students’ efforts will meet those needs. The service project begins with the 3 year old pre-kindergarteners and goes through 8^th grade. The younger children prepare packages that are distributed by various community organizations, while the children in grades 3 through 8 go into the community on SERVE-A-Thon Saturday. In high school, over 100 Boca Christian students serve others during spring mission trips that range from local outreach to working internationally.

Background information:

List of Projects by Grade

Early Childhood Student Projects:

“Grains of Gratitude” Pre-K 3, K4, and K5 – Project 1

Collected 400 pounds of rice and children divided it into 2 pound bags to be put in grocery bags for needy families. Recipient: C.R.O.S. Ministries (Christians Reaching Out to Society, Inc.)

“Bags of Hope” Pre-K 3, K4, and K5 – Project 2

Collected large paper grocery bags and decorated bags used to distribute food and other necessities with messages of love and caring.

Recipient: C.R.O.S. Ministries

Elementary Student Projects:

“The W.E.L.L. Project” 1^st Grade Project

Collected items for gift bags, made cards and decorative tea cups for widows.

Recipient: Widows and Visitation Ministry of Boca Raton Community Church

“Fun for our Friends” 2^nd Grade Project

Prepared packages with art activities and personal care items. Class visit from parent of Down’s child.

Recipient: Gold Coast Down’s Syndrome Organization

“Ready, Set, Reach-out to Residents” 3^rd Grade Project

Students brought pets and spent time with seniors and residents. The pets included 2 dogs and 1 guinea pig. Played board games and visited Alzheimer’s unit to spend time with residents.

Recipient: Homewood Residence (Brookdale Senior Living Facility)

“Lending Helping Hands” 4^th Grade Project

Sorted donations and packed grocery bags for needy families who come for food assistance.

Recipient: Boca Helping Hands

“Love thy Neighbor” 5^th Grade Project

Performed yard work to help older resident in need near the school.

Recipient: Conference Lake Estates Home

Middle School Student Projects:

“Conserving the Beach – 1 Bucket at a Time” 6^th Grade Project

Students partnered with Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for beach cleanup and collected over 10 large bags of trash.

Recipient: City of Boca Raton

“Shine and Dine with Boca Fire Fighters” 7^th Grade Project