"Helping at Wellspring was a rewarding experience.  The women were truly appreciative for all the food they received.  The children just wanted to play and make new friends.  It feels so good to help these women and children who struggle on a daily basis.  I look foward to helping at Wellspring again."
– A St. Mary School 8th Grader describing his experience as a “Breakfast Buddy”

Every student at St. Mary School – from kindergarten to eighth grade -- experiences the value of giving to others through our Community Service Program. Each month, a group of eighth grade “Breakfast Buddies” travels to the Oak Park section of Sacramento, where they volunteer at the Wellspring Women’s Center. Fourth graders tend the recycling bins on campus. Students volunteer to make sandwiches for the poor or set up tables for a school fundraiser. In all cases, students learn the value of giving, and responsibility to each other and to the community.

All areas of volunteerism “count” toward a student’s service hour goal. But teachers will provide each class with suggestions and specific details on age-appropriate service activities. Often teachers organize group activities that combine service with friendship and fun. Students can also create and submit their own plans for service hours.

Community Service Hours of Responsibility are:

"Anyone can be great because anyone can serve. It requires only a heart filled with grace and a soul fired by love."
–Rev. Martin Luther King