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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.

Service Opportunities

  • March 29 - Penguin Plunge

    • Join the St. Joes Team on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Great Hollow Lake, Wolfe Park for the Penguin Plunge, hosted by Special Olympics Connecticut and the Monroe Police Department!

    • Mrs. Robertson, Mr. Houlihan, and Mr. Dzurenda, Jr. are already signed up. Will you join them?

    • Sign up today using our team link “St. Joseph High School Cadets.”

  • Beginning April 2nd
    • The St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley Thrift Shop and Food Bank (Derby) is looking for students who will allow them to expand their hours into the afternoon/evening for their clients. 
    • Students would be asked to do a variety of tasks, but may include: manning the thrift shop, cleaning, or packing food for food bank clients. 
    • If you are interested in volunteering on Wednesday afternoons/evenings, please reach out to Deacon Font for more information as soon as possible. 
  • Counselors in Training - Summer Camp
    • Monroe Summer Day Camp is looking for Counselors in Training. Complete all your hours in one summer!
    • Click here to read more.

Service Opportunities

Ever Green Opportunities: 

  • Adam's House

    • Adam's House (Is your company, team, or social group looking for ways to help in the community? We have opportunities for small groups (3-4 at a time) to help with creating blankets for children in our program. No sewing, knitting or crafting experience required!

    • Email Noelle (noelle@adamshousect.org) to schedule!
       

  • Al's Angels
    • Al’s Angels is always in need of volunteers. Families working together, side by side with their kids, instill a deep sense of selflessness and compassion. Whether it’s wrapping a gift, assembling a holiday basket, filling a food bin for a family at Thanksgiving or hosting a fundraiser, we can never have too many volunteers. Please fill out form below to volunteer.
    • Sign up for volunteer information here.
       
  • Boys and Girls Club of Milford
    • They are looking for volunteers to be Mentors, and assistants with homework, recreational activities, arts and crafts, and special events. 
    • Contact Megan Altomare at meganaltomare@bgcmilford.com for more information!
  • 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.
       
  • 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.
       
  • The Circle of Care
    • Circle of Care provides practical, emotional, and financial assistance to Connecticut families through programs and services that meet the unique and challenging needs of pediatric cancer treatment.
    • Learn more here.
  • Filling in the Blanks - Norwalk, CT
    • Filling in the Blanks fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with meals on the weekends.

    • Their Teen Helper program needs volunteers to assist at packing events.  There are 4-6 teens that help at each packing event. They help the Lead Packers prepare for the event by opening up packaged food items for easier access, break-down cardboard, restock the packing tables, moving bins and pallets, etc.  Teen helpers arrive 15 minutes prior to an event and stay for 15 minutes after to help clean up.

    • This volunteer opportunity typically happens on the Weekend. This is an active volunteer opportunity, need to be able to stand on your feet for 2 hours and lift 10 LBS. Ages 14 and up.

    • Learn more here.
       

  • Hospital of Central Connecticut
    • The hospital of Central Connecticut offers a year-round teen volunteer program as well as summer program.
    • Learn More Here
       
  • Lasagna Love
    • Lasagna Love is a global movement with thousands of people cooking and delivering meals to families in their communities. Lasagna Love matches neighbors who can provide a meal with a neighbor who needs a little help. You can decide how often you participate - once a month, multiple lasagnas weekly, or somewhere in between. If you are looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity, or a way for your family to volunteer together to make a meal for a neighbor in need, this is a great opportunity to spread some kindness.
    • Find volunteer opportunities here
       
  • 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. 
    • Interested students should reach out to Dr. Marino.
       
  • 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
       
  • Malta House (Norwalk, CT)

    • Malta House is an organization that provides housing for single mothers that are escaping abusive relationships or extreme financial crises. The Malta House is always in need of donations: diapers, baby wipes, baby clothes, food, and more. They are also always looking for volunteers for childcare so that the moms can go out and run errands. 
       

  • Our Lady of Fatima -- Help Run a Vintage Store
    • 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
       
  • Paws (Norwalk, CT)

    • PAWS is able to extend their hands to so many pets in need because of the tireless effort and dedication of our volunteers. There is always SO much to be done - whether it is snuggling a shy kitten, walking a dog, fundraising or doing those dirty jobs like laundry and cleaning kennels. 

    • Learn More Here

  • Person to Person (P2P)

    • P2P relies on a network of volunteers to make its extensive programs happen, from our food pantries, Door2Door mobile food delivery, clothing center, receptionists, and at our main site. In other words, P2P relies on you to help bring our programs and services to life for the thousands who rely on us each week. Volunteer opportunities exist for individuals, groups, and businesses

    • Those under 18 years of age have to have a waiver signed by your parent/guardian before you can register for a volunteer event.

    • View Volunteer Opportunities Here. 
       

  • St. Aloysius Youth Group (New Canaan) 
    • They are always in need of volunteers and they run many events for adults and children with special needs. 
    • Learn More Here

 

  • Saint Catherine's - Trumbull (All Year)
    • There are many openings for service hours at St. Catherines. 

    • Anyone interested can reach out to Leah DeVito at reled@stcatherinetrumbull.com.  

    • OPEN CATECHIST POSITIONS: Sunday (10:15 - 11:15 am):  5th grade | Tuesdays (4:30 - 5:30 pm): 1st, 4th and 5th grades | Tuesdays (6 - 7:15 pm): 8th grade | Wednesday (4:30 - 5:30 pm):  2nd, 5th grades Wednesday (6 - 7:15 pm): 7th grade

    • OPEN AIDE POSITIONS: Sunday (10:15 - 11:15 am):  5th grade | Tuesdays (4:30 - 5:30 pm): 4th and 5th grades | Tuesdays (6 - 7:15 pm): 8th grade | Wednesday (6 - 7:15 pm): 7th, 8th grade

    • OPEN HALL MONITOR POSITIONS: Tuesdays (6 - 7:15 pm) | Wednesday (4:30 - 5:30 pm) | Wednesday (6 - 7:15 pm)

 

  • Star: Lighting the Way

    • STAR provides meaningful opportunities to experience the tremendous satisfaction of serving others as a volunteer. We have a variety of opportunities in the primary towns we serve: Norwalk, Westport, Weston, Wilton, New Canaan and Darien. Individuals and groups can volunteer for a few hours, a day, a season or an event. Customized activities are welcome.

    • Sign up to become a volunteer here.
       

  • Smithsonian

    • Become a Smithsonian Digital Volunteer and help us make historical documents and biodiversity data more accessible.

    • Learn more here.
       

  • 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.
       

  • The Thomas Merton Center

    • Committed to providing a loving, safe and hope-filled community atmosphere that responds to the needs of its guests. Respecting the dignity of each person, we reflect to the individual and the community our shared responsibility to love and support one another. We believe the sharing of a hot meal is an invitation to come in and share in a place where one can belong; respect and love are mutually given and received; each person is valued and not to be judged; and healing life’s hurts is possible with people who care. 

    • Find Volunteer Opportunities Here

  • The Tommy Fund

    • This group offers donations and support for Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Center, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital and Smilow Cancer Hospital through fundraising events and direct support for families. 

    • Volunteer Opportunities: Help is needed for various fundraising events and preparation throughout the year. Learn more here. 

Service Hour Requirements

What Counts for Service?

  • Freshmen and sophomores are permitted to fulfill the service requirement through serving St. Joseph High School, as well as their own communities, including their own churches, schools, or towns.

  • Freshmen and sophomores may also log hours in service to the hungry, homeless, sick, elderly, disabled, economically disadvantaged, or an organization that directly supports those causes. 

  • Juniors and Seniors are asked to go beyond serving our immediate community and directly confront social injustice in a deeper way. They must perform acts of service that assist the hungry, homeless, sick, elderly, disabled, economically disadvantaged, or an organization that directly supports those causes. 

The following may NEVER be considered service and if submitted will be invalid:

  • Volunteering at FOR-profit businesses (i.e. doctor’s offices, law firms, stores, etc).
  • Any house, yard work, or babysitting done for family, friends, or neighbors.
  • Anything in which payment is received, or doing work you would normally be paid for but not accepting pay.
  • Service should not be done through organizations that are contrary to the mission and beliefs of St Joseph High School and the Catholic Church.
  • New service opportunities will be posted on the message boards at school and on our school website.
 

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