The serve-a-thon community service projects have been a vital part of the MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation since its inception in 1997.
The initiative is designed with the goal of building crucial life skills such as compassion, teamwork, and helping others in need by involving students in the various community programs.
Many of the students with the foundation come from low-income backgrounds and the serve-a-thon allows them to learn the role that community plays in supporting them and alike individuals in need.
“Help the community so it can help you when you need it,” said Melanie, a fourth grader.
Each project is designed to expand their perspective and build confidence by completing simple services such as creating Valentine’s Day cards for police and firefighters, picking up litter from a local park, or even making dog treats with simple ingredients.
“Doing community service makes people’s days brighter and creates change,” 11th grade student A’lon said.
The MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation strives for each of its students from kindergarten through 12th grade to complete at least one project in the serve-a-thon time frame, which takes place from Martin Luther King Jr. Day to President’s Day each year.
Teens in the program complete slightly more advanced community service projects, such as joining projects with the local Riverkeeper organization to collect trash near waterways or spending time playing bingo with members of local senior living communities.
