There was no better way to kick off the SAR High School Senior Slumberton than with a day of chesed. “The purpose of the day was to step outside of ourselves and give back to the communities around us,” explained Director of Chesed Zehava Seidman-Wernick. The grade was divided into groups and students visited different venues where they were able to make an impact in other people’s lives.

SAR High School students visited the New York Common Food Pantry where they packed hot meals and bagged groceries for those in need. “We packed meals, dry goods and produce and handed them out to people as they arrived. Engaging in conversation with them was very rewarding,” explained Lela W.

At Manhattan Children’s Center, a New York City private school for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), students learned what it was like to go through life with this type of disability. They received a brief training at the start of the day and discussed what they learned after their visit.

The Afya Foundation connects those who have medical supplies with those who need them. “We sorted and bagged medical supplies to make sure they are all up to date,” explained Coach Val Gryzlo. “It was wonderful to see all the students get involved and work as a team to get the job done.” Students really felt the importance of their efforts. “Volunteering at Afya opened my eyes to the significant amount of medical supplies that are wasted, and how much communities all over the world could benefit from them,” said Amielle W. “

Other SAR 12th graders joined the seniors at the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale for a day of getting to know one another. “We joined their yoga, fitness, arts and Torah classes and shmoozed with residents throughout the morning,” said Lia G.

At the Jewish Community Council of Washington Heights, students packed food for needy families. “Seeing so many families, Jews alongside non-Jews, come and receive food from the food pantry was inspiring,” said Lia H-L.