Most of us know that Pella High promotes a program called the Distinguished Service Program. This program encourages students to volunteer and make an impact in the community and school. When a student earns 100 hours of service, they receive the Distinguished Service Award and a special cord to wear at graduation that denotes their volunteerism. The incentive is that this award not only has a positive impact on the community but also looks good on college applications and resumes.

However, for some students it is not a matter of making time to volunteer or putting forth the effort, it is finding places that need volunteers in our community. Because of this, the Pelladium has interviewed this year’s senior class to get ideas of places in our community that need students’ help. Students can help our community while working towards the Distinguished Service Award.

• Pella Historical Society: The Scholte House and Scholte Gardens: They can use volunteers all seasons of the year, but especially in the spring and summer in the gardens. Fill out an application here: https://www.pellahistorical.org/volunteerform 
• Tech Team and Livestream Team: If you are interested in technology, this is a great option. Tech Team is a club run through the high school. Contact Gabe Schott.
• The Well Resource Center: The Well is a Christian Ministry and is a great way for students to earn volunteer hours. Some activities that this might involve include sorting clothes and other items for the thrift store, childcare services, or working as a POS (Point of Sale) at the thrift store. Check it out here: https://thewelliowa.org/volunteer/ .
• Nerd Herd: Nerd Herd is a club started by Audra Turner and is a great option for all students, especially those who love science and/or are STEM-minded. Contact her for more information.
• Church’s Childcare/Vacation Bible School: Many students achieve volunteer hours through summer church programs or through Sunday school. This option is great for students who are involved in their churches and have otherwise busy schedules, and students have noted that throughout the summers the hours add up very quickly.
• Crossroads of Pella: Crossroads is a non-profit organization that serves the community of Pella by being a source of help and encouragement for all community members. They offer many kid-friendly service projects and other methods of volunteerism. Reach out here: https://www.crossroadspella.org/ .
• The Community Center and Art Center: The Art Center is a community program that encourages the use of different art media. It reaches out to all people, no matter age group. The Art Center is a great option for students who love art and who are creatively minded. Find out more here: https://www.cityofpella.com/106/Art-Center .
• Youth sport camps: This is a great option for students who are passionate about the sports they play and want to work with kids. Find out more through your sport organization.
• TEC (Teens Encounter Christ): This is another great option for students who are involved in the church. It is a weekend camp that occurs three times per year. Learn more here: https://www.centraliowatec.com/ .
• City Parks and Rec.: Contact Jeanette Vaughan.
• Pella Regional Health Center: There are many options through PRHC. Students can work in hospice, but there are also many other opportunities including working in the gift shop, the OB help desk, the coffee cart, in the cafeteria, and so much more. This is a great option to cater towards students’ different interests. It is also a great option for students wishing to go into healthcare careers because it looks great on applications and resumes. Learn about volunteering in the hospital here: https://www.pellahealth.org/about-us/volunteer/. Learn about volunteering in hospice here: https://www.pellahealth.org/services/hospice/volunteer/ .
• Families First Booth at Thursday Nights in Pella. Families First’s ultimate goal is to enable both parents and children to make a positive impact in the world by establishing habits of strong parenting skills, healthy family bonding, and equipping children to make wise choices—creating a ripple effect begun by loving, healthy families who step out into their callings in the community and in the greater world. Learn more here: https://www.familiesfirstofpella.org/ .