By Lainey Hynes

Earlier this month, a 5k fundraiser took place in Valley Mede in order to raise money and awareness for Voices for Children, in which several Mt. Hebron students volunteered for the experience as well as the service hours. While many students were initially motivated to volunteer for the service hours, they found their experience at the fun run quite enjoyable and fulfilling. 

“I did it last year because some of my friends were going for volunteer opportunities, like [service] hours,” said Mt. Hebron sophomore Jahnavi Gandhe, who cheered for the runners on the sidelines of the course. She didn’t think much of the event last year, but found the experience this year quite enjoyable and fulfilling.

As it turns out, several students who were attending for the service hours alone were inspired by the event to become charitable people themselves, as well as surprised at the number of people who showed up.

“A lot of people actually do help the cause, there are a lot of charities that can help. And it seems like no one really does anything, but Voices for Children actually has a lot of people who come to support,” said Gandhe, appreciating the sense of community she felt during the event. 

Many other students had a similar experience.

“The community, the purpose, the message, is, really special to me. It was such a fun place to be. I know that everybody there was there for a good cause and wanted to help people, but also create a good foundation for a strong community,” said junior Brooks Giro, who helped out by DJing the event two years in a row. Giro had initially decided to volunteer because of the position he was asked to fill but left with a sense that he could make a difference in the community.

“Everyone deserves to be happy, everyone deserves to have good in their lives, so I just feel like passing that on, spreading that positivity,” said Giro, wanting to spread positivity himself.

These students hope to see the Voices for Children fun run return again next year, and for many years to come.