MLK Day of Service
On Monday, January 20, 2020, 170 CS parents, students, faculty and staff from 60 Carlthorp families participated in the first ever Carlthorp School Day of Service in honor of the national initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This day off school was an optional day “on” for the CS community.
Carlthorp participants supported six organizations, each with a different and unique mission.
- Midnight Mission - Volunteers served lunch and learned about how the organization helps those in need.
- Westside Food Bank - Volunteers helped organize food at the food bank so that the staff and other volunteers could locate items they need more easily.
- Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration - Volunteers participated in a “My PlayClub” event to promote inclusive play and help with crafts and entertainment.
- Chrysalis - Volunteers packed personal care kits for individuals experiencing homelessness as they prepare to re-enter the workforce.
- Wags and Walks - Volunteers played with, walked, and read to dogs living at the no-kill shelter.
- Upward Bound House Urban Farm - Volunteers helped tend the Urban Garden in partnership with families who currently reside at Upward Bound House.
The Day of Service was organized by Kelly Kuolt, Director of Service Learning, and coordinated by a combination of eight parents and faculty members.
A few poignant reflections from the day are featured below:
From a student participant at Midnight Mission: “One of the best parts about volunteering at the Midnight Mission was having a chance to interact with the residents. They have many interesting stories to share.”
From a student participant at Wags and Walks: “I couldn’t believe how loving all the dogs were. Even the big dogs lay down to listen to the book I was reading. They just wanted attention and love.”
From a parent participant at Westside Food Bank: “It was so great to work shoulder to shoulder with members of this community to help others.”
Student participant at Chrysalis: “It was great seeing everyone work together.”
Please click below to watch a video about the Day of Service.
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.