Beverly Vista Middle School Community Service Vision: It is the hope of Beverly Vista Middle School that through volunteer work students will find their passion by giving back to their community and improving the world we all live in. Through this work during middle school, we feel that BVMS Bulldogs will become proud, lifelong volunteers.
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS MUST BE EARNED THROUGH A NON-PROFIT (CHARITY) ORGINIZATION, NOT A BUSINESS AND NOT VERIFIED (SIGNED) BY A PARENT, RELATIVE OR FAMILY FRIEND.
Community Service or Service Learning? Yes, there is a difference, but right now our focus is community service. Although service learning is something related to learning that happens in a classroom, volunteer work would be community service no matter where it happens.
How many community service hours are required for outdoor educationtrips? Students participating in outdoor education trips are not required to perform community service.
How many community service hours are required for a graduation cord? Students can earn 1 gold graduation cord for performing 20 hours of community service during each year of middle school (maximum of 3 cords). These hours must be turned in by the end of each school year. Hours are tracked in Aeries, so keep an eye out to make sure you are getting credit for the hours you have turned in.
How do students keep track of their hours? Forms are available on the link at the right titled "Community Service Hours Forms". These forms allow students to track more than one activity. Forms must be turned in to the box in room D302 - NOT EMAILED OR TURNED IN AT THE OFFICE!
What opportunities are available to students? Students can participate in volunteer work in the community at any non-profit organization. A list of some of those opportunities is on the BVMS website. Along with helping individual staff members, students can also help in the cafeteria at lunch or handing out balls on the playground. In addition, there will be monthly after school activities on the first (or sometimes the second) Thursday of each month. Students must sign up in advance on the BVMS Community Service Opportunities webpage. We also will have participating in several charity walks as a BVMS team. Volunteering at these activities could give students the bulk of their hours needed.
Can students earn hours for monetary/item donations? Yes, however students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be donations to two different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
What if I or students have questions? Any questions, comments or suggestions (please!) can be directed to Caitlin Carter in room D302 or [email protected]
Resources: Community service hours can be earned through a variety of activities at school, on BVMS campus, at other BHUSD schools, Beverly Hills Community and with other organizations.
Click on these current opportunities:
Join us for the 5th Annual Beverly Hills Run of the Stars at El Rodeo School on October 19th. Earn 3 hours for participating or volunteering at the event. You can also earn a bonus hour for personally fundraising at least $$100. Click here for more information and join the Beverly Vista Bulldogs team! Be sure to bring your Community Service Log Sheet and have it signed while you are there.
Would you like to earn your community service hours at school? The first Thursday of every month (or sometimes the second, check the sign up), we will be doing community service activities after school, 3:30 - 4:30. We will meet in room D302 at 3:30 and we will work on an activity for a charity organization or something that needs to be done around school. To Participate, you must sign up using THIS SIGN UP GENIUS LINK. PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU ACTUALLY PLAN TO ATTEND! Only the first 15 students who sign up will be able to participate. If you sign up and can no longer attend, please let Mrs. Carter know so that another student can take your spot. Be sure to bring your Community Service Log Sheet to the event!
The Arthritis Foundation needs our help! On Saturday, Sept. 13, over 100 people will complete their 8 day bicycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles raising funds and awareness for those of all ages suffering from arthritis. Help us to celebrate this wonderful accomplishment with them. We will be meeting at Pepperdine University (exact location and times will be emailed to you). We will be setting up tables etc at the location, making signs and cheering on the riders as they come in. After the event, we will break everything back down again and pack it up. If you would like to attend this event, Sign Up Using This Link. If a parent is coming with you to help, they do not need to sign up, only students. Students who have registered will receive an email with more information as we get closer to the event. If you have questions, please see Mrs. Carter in room D302.
St. Jude helps families during their toughest times, providing hope and healing from childhood cancer. Join the Beverly Vista Bulldogs team at the St. Jude Walk on Saturday, Sept. 27th at Exposition Park. Use THIS LINK to join our team and you will earn 3 hours of community service when you join us on walk day. Be sure to bring your community service log sheet for Mrs. Carter to sign at the event. For more information about this event, click here
NON-PROFIT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Click on any of the links below to seen how to volunteer with these organizations.
Big Sunday is a nonprofit organization that brings people together to help others and make a difference in their communities. They host numerous volunteer events throughout the year, from packing food and creating care kits to assisting with art projects, gardening, and more. Anyone can join, and it’s a great way to earn community service hours, meet new people, and support causes you care about, all while having fun.
My Friend’s Place is a nonprofit in Los Angeles that supports youth experiencing homelessness by offering meals, supplies, and safe spaces. Students can get involved through volunteer opportunities like organizing donation drives, serving meals, or helping with art and school supplies. It’s a great way to give back while supporting young people in need.
The Labelle Foundation is a nonprofit animal rescue based in Los Angeles dedicated to saving and caring for vulnerable dogs in the shelter system. They focus on rescue, rehabilitation, and community education about responsible pet ownership. Students can support their mission by volunteering, fostering, or helping with donation efforts. It’s a meaningful way to earn community service hours while making a difference for animals in need.
Step Up is a nonprofit organization that provides permanent housing and mental health support to individuals facing homelessness. Their work focuses on housing, wellness, and helping people reconnect with their communities. Students can get involved by supporting donation drives or awareness campaigns, helping make a positive impact on the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness.
PATH is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness find permanent housing and support. With programs across California, PATH offers volunteer opportunities like cooking meals, organizing donation drives, and helping at events. Students can earn service hours while making a direct impact on their community.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank helps fight hunger by providing food to individuals and families in need across LA County. Volunteers play a key role by sorting, packing, and distributing food at the warehouse or partner sites. Students can earn service hours while making a real difference in their community.
Meals on Wheels West is a nonprofit that delivers fresh, nutritious meals to older adults, veterans, and people living with disabilities in coastal LA communities. Volunteers help by delivering meals—and a friendly hello—to clients in need. Flexible schedules are available, and high school students can earn community service hours while making a meaningful impact.
Westside Food Bank helps provide free, nutritious food to individuals and families in need across local communities. Volunteers can support their mission by sorting and organizing food at the Santa Monica warehouse. It’s a hands-on way for students to earn community service hours while helping fight hunger close to home.
TreePeople is a nonprofit in Los Angeles that brings people together to plant and care for trees, restore parks, and educate the community about our urban environment. Volunteers, students included, help plant trees, remove invasive plants, and maintain trails. All training and tools are provided. Group or individual volunteers of any skill level are welcome, and many events are outdoors and family-friendly (volunteers under 16 need an adult chaperone). It’s a meaningful way to earn service hours, connect with nature, and support local communities.
Heal the Bay is a nonprofit organization working to protect Los Angeles’ coastal waters, rivers, and watersheds through science, advocacy, and community action. Volunteers can help with beach cleanups, water quality education, and special events like Coastal Cleanup Day. Students can earn service hours while making a difference for the environment and learning how local actions impact ocean health.
Check out THIS WEBPAGE for a number of different opportunities (some that you can do at home) to earn your community service hours. There are some great ways to help out animals in need.
CHARITABLE DONATIONS: Click on any of these links to see how your donation can count for community service credit. You can also email Mrs. Carter at [email protected] for more information about donations and other causes you might want to donate to.
The Harold Robinson Foundation improves young lives by creating access to personal development opportunities, resources and supportive adult relationships that result in a positive impact the the most marginalized communities. They believe that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and to know their inherent worth & potential. Their flagship program brings school groups to the Angeles National Forest for three days. For some, the retreat represents their first significant trip outside of the LA metro area. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate.. If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
Dachshund Rescue & Placement is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of dachshund dogs. This organization is depends on volunteers, fosters and donors and has high expenses when trying to rescue and find homes for these little affectionate dogs. Click here for more information about this organization. This organization is in need of supplies and donations. If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating. If your family is interested in fostering a dachshund, which would count for your community service for the entire year, click here
The Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of neglected, abandoned and at-risk guinea pigs. This organization is completely volunteer run and has high expenses when trying to help these sweet animals. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate. If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating. If your family is interested in fostering a guinea pig, click here.
World Central Kitchen feeds the needy in times of crisis using the power of food to heal and strengthen communities. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate .If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
Bring Change to Mind is working to end the stigma surrounding mental illness by encouraging dialog, raising awareness, understanding and empathy. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate . If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
Water.org has helped change the lives of millions of people by bringing safe water and sanitation to 17 countries around the world. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate.If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
BEVERLY HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:
Teen BHEF is a student volunteer organization for 7th–12th graders in the Beverly Hills Unified School District. Its mission is to inspire students to make a difference by participating in service projects, fundraising events, and leadership opportunities that directly support and enrich their own schools. Members work together to build community, develop real-world skills, and give back through hands-on involvement across all BHUSD campuses.
The City of Beverly Hills Community Services Department offers volunteer opportunities for students to support local events, parks, and senior programs. It’s a great way to give back, earn service hours, and get involved in the heart of your community.
The Beverly Hills Public Library offers volunteer opportunities for teens to support library programs, organize materials, and help with events. It’s a great way to earn community service hours while supporting learning and literacy in your city.
J Los Angeles offers youth and family programs, fitness, arts, and community events for people of all backgrounds. Students can volunteer through seasonal events, camps, and programs like the JCC Maccabi Games or community Shabbat dinners, gaining service hours while supporting meaningful Jewish and community-based programming.
Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a nonprofit institution that provides pediatric health care. They also support compassionate patient care, leading-edge education of the caregivers of tomorrow and innovative research efforts that impact children at the hospital and around the world. Click here for more information about this organization and how you can donate .If you would like your donation to be counted for community service, attach a copy of your receipt to your Community Service log sheet. Students can earn a maximum of 2 hours per year through monetary/item donations and they must be through 2 different organizations. You may submit your receipt for your donation (with financial information crossed out) or pictures of your items donated with your community service log sheet. You will receive 1 hour for each donation. We do not require a specific amount of money donated, whatever you are comfortable donating.
WHAT MATTERS TO YOU? HOW DO YOU WANT TO GIVE BACK? (Community Service Ideas)
Animals: Do you love animals? Local animal shelters are always in need of volunteers. Contact a local shelter and speak with a volunteer coordinator to see what help is needed.
Seniors: Our community has many senior citizens who would relish the time and help that a teen could lend. Beverly Hills has senior centers and private nursing home where volunteers are needed. Even a small amount of time with a senior can make a difference. You can help seniors learn how to use a computer and email to stay in touch with their own grandchildren. You could adopt a senior citizen as a “grand-friend” and write letters to them.
Elementary Schools: You can contact your former teachers from Hawthorne and Horace Mann to offer help in the classroom or contact the PTA.
Environment: Do you care deeply about the threats facing our environment and have an interest in helping our community “go green.” Participate in a community cleanup day; or help clear hiking trails or perform beach cleanups.
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