Irving students learn value of community service

Irving Middle School students are wrapping up the third and final week of community service as part of Irving Community Outreach, the annual fundraiser organized by the Irving Parent Teacher Student Organization that focuses on giving instead of receiving.

Irving Community Outreach - or ICOR - involves students volunteering their time and effort in the community through either organized group activities or projects students create themselves and complete at home or with their families. The students ask for donations from family and other community members in conjunction with their activities - but it’s really about giving back to the community, said Irving Principal Jason Shanahan.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to encourage students to volunteer and take part within their community and fundraise at the same time,” he said. “ICOR also offers this age group the opportunity to take part in community efforts. All too often, middle school age students are not thought of by adults when looking for volunteers. However, middle school kids have a ton of energy and when channelled in the right direction can be incredibly powerful for both the community and the student.”

ICOR, now in its 8th year, offers students a variety of service opportunities. This year’s activities include: Washing trucks at the Lincoln Fire Department’s Station #8; distributing food to families at a neighborhood church; cleaning up after the Lincoln Children’s Zoo’s “Boo at the Zoo” event; and cleaning, shelving and doing yard work at the South Branch Library.    

Proceeds from this year’s ICOR will go toward the purchase of a 3-D printer for student use, as well as the development of an outdoor classroom. Besides such tangible items, Shanahan hopes that students also benefit in other ways.

“My best hope for what students will take away from the ICOR experience is a better understanding of community and their positive place within it,” he said. “I want students to experience the intrinsic sense of satisfaction that comes from paying it forward.

“Ultimately it is not about the money raised, but the values learned that make ICOR a special school event at Irving.”

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