As finals approach, students who have less than 95% attendance but still have As, Bs, and Cs without referrals can make up attendance with community service served anywhere outside of SHS for three hours. 

  There are many opportunities throughout the community ranging from nursing homes to animal shelters. 

  Granny-Rose Animal Shelter (Granny Rose) offers opportunities to help dogs and cats in need by socializing with them or helping to clean up the shelter. The opportunities provided by Granny-Rose Animal Shelter can be done by someone with most any skill set. 

  Junior Alivia Ruffin volunteered at Granny-Rose Animal Shelter walking and socializing dogs and said, “It was fun to play with the dogs.”

  Students can also volunteer with the Sauk Valley Food Bank (https://saukvalleyfoodbank.org/volunteer-sauk-valley-foodbank/) by sorting food, loading freezers, distributing food to those in need, and helping with clerical work. The Sauk Valley Food Bank offers opportunities that cater to social or organizational skills. 

  Volunteers are also needed at Morningside of Sterling ([email protected]) where students would be helping residents by engaging with them and helping to facilitate activities for the residents to improve their mental health. The Morningside of Sterling volunteer activities are most suited to those with good social skills.

  Twin Cities Homeless Shelter needs volunteers as well. They are looking for people to fundraise, cook at the shelter, or help with transportation needs of residents. Their website (https://www.twincitiespads.org/homeless-shelter-volunteer-signup.html) offers sign up sheets where you can select the ways you are interested in helping and the dates and times you would like to volunteer. 

  The YMCA and YWCA offer a variety of community service opportunities like partnering with Ukrainian youth online to help them learn English, supporting cancer patients in treatment, or helping with conservation efforts at the Nachusa Grasslands. The Websites (https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/volunteer) offer links to sign up for all these opportunities. 

  Students not only regain their final exam exceptions, but they can claim the hours for college applications and resumes, not to mention the personal fulfillment they can gain by participating in the community.