Community Service

Cadets: it is our goal to make you aware of the needs of others and of our shared responsibility to help those in need. 

At St. Joes, you will begin to develop a life-long love of serving those in need and giving generously of your time and unique gifts. Be sure to take our motto of “Privilege and Responsibility” very seriously as we strive to build a culture of service where helping those in need is more of a joy than a requirement.

“Oh my God, teach me to be generous, teach me to serve you as I should, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fear of being wounded, to work without seeking rest, to labor without expecting any reward, but the knowledge that I am doing your most holy will.”

---

Tracking Service Hours Using x2VOL

Students will use x2VOL to track service hours.

x2VOL is an online platform that provides an easy way to log your hours and find volunteer opportunities. Please follow the instructions below to register and begin logging your service hours.

1.  Visit www.x2VOL.com and click JOIN.
2.  Select the “My School Instructed me to Complete my Registration” option and click on “Complete
    my Registration”.
3.  Type in “St. Joseph High School” and click Search – and select our school name.
4.  Type in your Last Name and Student email.
5.  Enter the remaining profile fields.
6.  Set your interests and skills and click Proceed.
7.  Set a password, select your group and check the required boxes to complete your registration.
8.  Log in and view your Dashboard.
9. Having issues with x2VOL? Here is a great link with additional information! https://help.x2vol.com/knowledge

---

Service Opportunities

Opportunities with Specific Dates:

• September 24 - SoundWaters beach Cleanup Day
  • Join the Fairfield/Westchester Alumni Chapter in a day of service as they work to help protect the sound
  •  Coastal clean-ups are a fun and ideal way for students to participate in a service day
  • All ages are welcome and please wear sturdy shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and/or wet and bring garden or work gloves.
  • Please register by September 20, 2023 using this link
  • For questions, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 203-254-4280 or email communityhelp@fairfield.edu for further assistance

October 1 - Run/Walk To Save a Life 5k

• Run/Walk To Save a Life is looking for volunteers to work their 5k on October 1st at 8:30 am.

• The Run/Walk for life is in honor of Christopher Andreozzi who passed away suddenly from sudden cardiac death caused by an arrhythmia.
• Chris was an avid supporter of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as their mission mirrored his philosophy on the care of the person with mental illness therefore half of the proceeds from the race will be donated to this organization. The rest of the proceeds will be donated to the Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome (SADS) to advance research, medical education and to ultimately prevent these avoidable young deaths from cardiac arrhythmias. 

• If you are interested in volunteering click here to register!

• October 25-29 - Enchanted Castle

  • Enchanted Castle is seeking the talents of kids ages 14+ who can step into cherished character roles. 

  • Six rooms are brought to life by storybook characters who skillfully narrate the tales of Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, and The Wizard of Oz.

  • The castle will be open for 6 shifts, each comprising 11 speaking character roles and up to 10 non-speaking entertainer positions. Click here to register your group.

Ever Green Opportunities: 

• The Lord's Kitchen - Stratford
  • The Lord’s Kitchen is a gathering and meal service provided to local residents and meets on specific
    dates every Monday and Wednesday. Specific dates are set by a coalition of Stratford churches. St.
    James will be serving on March 1st from 4 – 6 PM at Christ Church (2000 Main St., Stratford). Students can help with food packaging, serving meals and cleanup.
  • Interested students should reach out to Dr. Marino.

• The Bridge - Stratford
  • Every third Sunday of the month, St. James’ Social Outreach group travels to an underpass on John Street in Bridgeport to pass out basic toiletries and seasonal clothing. The group meets at St. James Parish Center at 10am to vans and cars, drive to John Street, and are usually back at St. James by 11:30am.
  • Students can help with loading the vehicles, passing out goods and returning unused items to St. James.
  • Interested students should reach out to Dr. Marino.

• Bridgeport Rescue Mission
  • The Bridgeport Rescue Mission provides meals, groceries, clothing, shelter, and services to anyone suffering from poverty, addiction, or homelessness.
  • They are always looking for volunteers in the Community Pantry and donation center. 
  • Learn More Here.
     
• Lucky Dog Refuge
  • The Lucky Dog Refuge is looking for volunteers!
  • Students will need to fill out a form for it and have their guardian sign it if under the age of 18. Once they are approved, they will receive notice and have the ability to choose a day to volunteer.
  • I am happy to meet students on site to be their chaperone for volunteering, but if there is a day I cannot attend, they will need to be with an adult (if under 18 years old).
  • Click here to volunteer

• Theatre Volunteers at The Klein

  • The Klein, Bridgeport’s 1,447-seat regional performing arts center, is looking for student volunteers to serve as ushers and box office assistants at Klein events.  This is an opportunity to earn service hours at your school, while also seeing performances in concerts, plays, and dance recitals and also film screenings.

  • All that is required is a commitment to show up on time, and for now, proof of vaccination for Covid-19 or a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of the event.

  • Students aged 13-20 are eligible.

  • For information and/or to apply, please send an email with a short statement explaining your interest in the volunteer position, school you attend, and grade level to: info@theklein.org or call the box office at: 800-424-0160 x3.
     

• Religious Education Program
  • St. Joseph Church in Shelton is looking for students (asap) to man the front door of their school and serve as hall monitors during their religious education program. They are also looking for classroom helpers for 1st graders. 
  • They are seeking students to serve from 4:00pm–5:30pm and/or 6:45pm– 8:15 pm. 
  • Feel free to contact: Mrs. Van Sickle at (203) 924-9677 or reled@sjcshelton.org
     
• Help Run a Vintage Store at Our Lady of Fatima
  • Joanne Salageanu, Class of ’91 runs our Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy’s vintage store, Something Special.  The store is led and operated entirely by volunteers and 100% of the proceeds benefit Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Academy.
  • Students can sign up at this sign-up genius link
  • Any questions, feel free to contact Joanne Salageanu at Joanne.Salageanu@gmail.com
     
• The Sterling House Community Center After School Tutors and Helpers (Stratford)
  • Michael Rosati, '17 is the Director of Youth Programs at The Sterling Community Center in Stratford and he is always in need of after school tutors and helpers for the students in his program!
  • After school helpers may commit to the full 2.5 hours (3:30pm-6:00pm) or volunteer for a portion of the afternoon.
  • Contact Michael with any questions you may have or to sign up: mrosati@sterlinghousecc.org