This year, the Service Council is focusing on teaching Middle School students about the ‘why’ behind service work through a new activity, Bloom, and a reimagined CANstruction project, which both allow students to give back to the community.

Service Council advisor Carter Thomas says the council prioritizes education. “The education piece is really important, because if you . . .  do things without that [being educated], there’s no meaning behind it, and it lacks the why.”

They will do this through a new project called Bloom. Bloom helps kids in foster care get the supplies that they need. These supplies include clothing items, toiletries, and school supplies. 

Service Council advisor Rachel House welcomes a partnership with Bloom because it allows Middle School students to give necessities to people similar in age. “I think I love that . . .  the people who will benefit from whatever we do for Bloom are of the same age, same mindset, [and] same lifestyle as many of you all here at Westminster.”

Beyond Bloom, the council intends to continue their partnership with the Midtown Assistance Center (MAC). In previous years, the council reached out to MAC offering their involvement in CANstruction, but this year, MAC reached out requesting the Service Council’s participation. On August 18th, MAC called Thomas and said “‘Our shelves are empty, and we really need help.'”

This year, the Service Council will accept any type of canned food for CANstruction instead of creating restrictions on what can and can’t be donated.

Thomas emphasizes the importance of teaching the Middle School the real reason for participating in acts of service. “With CANstruction, there will be a competition between sixth, seventh, and eighth [grade], but the prize is being able to feed people. There is no ‘who’s gonna win a Chick-fil-A breakfast.’”