University School of the Lowcountry took part in the Trident United Way’s Day of Caring on November 22; this was our 17th consecutive year of participating. We contributed 700+ hours of service to our community! This national effort powerfully resonates in the Charleston area: the TUW has traditionally had some of the largest number of projects and volunteers among all United Way chapters over the last 20 years. COVID impacted this service program and volunteering nationwide, and we are proud to be part of building it back.
University School students, faculty, parents, alumni, and alumni parents helped with service projects at 13 non-profits and underserved public schools across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. Creating and maintaining long-term relationships with organizations, schools, and people all over the tri-county area enables us all to better understand, work with, and help each other.
All of our students in our grades 3-12 school contribute 50+ hours of service to the community each year—during regular school days. We value empathy and active citizenship, and schools demonstrate what they are committed to by what they spend time on. Although there are additional opportunities like this on the weekends, we integrate community service into our regular weekday program. Learning at a school that honors helping others and where students and teachers regularly assist others together makes this normal. It also enables them to see firsthand all of the valuable work that our public schools and non-profits are doing. This approach yields good and compassionate adults who will help others and uplift their communities on their personal journey through life.
Please enjoy this slideshow from the day!
There was much to be proud of, and since returning we have been sharing stories among the participants. Everyone had new experiences, did things we’ve never done before, and made a real difference in others’ lives. We are grateful to everyone in our community who made this day possible!
