Community Service

What is Community Service?

Community Service is defined as work done by a person or group of people that benefits others.  The Charles City Public Schools (CCPS) School Board encourages students to become active citizens of their community prior to high school graduation by demonstrating high levels of volunteerism.  The mission of CCPS is to develop self-sustaining, responsible and educated adults who can contribute and work to improve their community and the world. In addition to the state expectations for graduation as established by the Profile of the Virginia Graduate, the CCPS School Board requires each student to complete a certain number of community service hours, beginning with students in the Class of 2022, as a condition for their receipt of a Charles City County Public Schools Diploma.

Examples of Community Service

Examples of community service hours that would satisfy this requirement include but are not limited to:

  • Participation in any service project conducted by a service organization such as Scouts, 4-H, Key club, church, etc.
  • Participation in a community service event such as Walk-a-Thon, Jump Rope for Heart, or other fund-raising events held for the good of the community.
  • Personal projects which benefit a member of the community or the community at large such as helping an invalid or elderly person (not a relative) with household chores, visitation to a nursing home or other facility to perform services for a resident, volunteer work in a community institution (library, hospital, etc.), tutoring younger students on a regular basis, or similar projects to benefit others.

 Examples of activities that will not count toward the Charles City High School Citizenship to the Community Diploma Seal shall include:

  • Membership in a service organization (without participating in service activities).
  • Participation in any activity for which an individual receives compensation.
  • Service as a teacher’s aide during school time. Membership in the school band, sports team or drama production. (These activities are highly encouraged for personal gain and experience, but do not qualify as community service.)
  • Court-ordered community service or school-ordered service.

Diploma Seals

To recognize students for their commitment in service to others, the Charles City School Board will bestow the Charles City High School Citizenship to the Community Diploma Seal to those students who have successfully completed one of the following requirements:

  • 25 hours of volunteer hours – Bronze Charles City High School Citizenship to the Community Diploma Seal
  • 35 hours of volunteer hours - Silver Charles City High School Citizenship to the Community Diploma Seal
  • 50 or more hours of volunteer hours -Gold Charles City High School Citizenship to the Community Diploma Seal

Hours that are logged during grades 9-12 by each student will be counted toward completion of this requirement.  Verification will be made by a supervising adult on an official Community Service Log.  Please see your school counselor or a community service log sheet.

School Opportunities

CCES Mentoring Program

Students can volunteer to work in CCES classrooms to help students with activities, assignments, or read a book. 

CCHS Athletics Department

Students can volunteer to help e set-ups for athletic events, track and field meet assistance, concession stand assistance, and other opportunities (I.e. greeters/servers for District/Regional competition.) Contact the Athletic Director, Andre Jones at cchighathletics@gmail.com for information.

CCES Backpack Program

Students can volunteer to work with the CCES Backpack Program.  Backpacks are packed each Thursday afterschool.   Contact Jaleesa Claiborne at jclaiborne@ccps.net for more information. 

Community Opportunities

 Charles City Animal Shelter/A Taste of Heaven Sanctuary

Students can volunteer to work with animals at the local animal shelter and sanctuary. 

New Hope Food Pantry (New Kent)

Students can volunteer to serve at this local food pantry.  Tasks might include loading and unloading food donations, helping patrons shop and load their vehicles, and general task related to the pantry.  Contact Kelli at (804) 932-3967 for more information.

Mobile Food Pantry (St. John’s Baptist Church)

Students can volunteer to serve at this local food pantry.  The Mobil Food Pantry at St. John’s Baptist Church is held on the first Thursday of each month. The time for volunteers to start is 8:45 am. Some of the duties include setting up pop-up tents, setting up tables and chairs, bagging groceries, and helping participants take groceries to their vehicles. The Pantry is sponsored by Feed More Inc. Please contact Vance Jones at 804-310-3093(cell #) for more information. 

Surrounding Area Opportunities

Anthem LemonAid

Host a FREE Anthem LemonAid stand in your community and raise money for kids with cancer in Central Virginia. Event occurs in July and proceeds benefit the Infusion Center in the Hematology and Oncology Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Click here to learn more.

Autism Society of Central Virginia (ages 14+)

The Autism Society of Central Virginia provides multiple opportunities for teens to get involved with ongoing activities and special events. Current volunteer activities include bowling buddies, LEGO/ Game Club helpers, and volunteer photographers. Click here to learn more about each position; or to register as a volunteer, call (804) 257-0192 or email info@ascv.org.

 American Red Cross (Ages 13-17)
Helping others feels good, and helps you feel good about yourself. Your local Red Cross can work with you to provide rewarding experiences, opportunities to utilize your talents, or provide training to help you serve your community. Youth between 13 and 17 years of age can register as volunteers here. Children under 13 must contact the local unit to complete a parental consent form and be accompanied by an adult for supervision. Click here to learn more.

  FeedMore Youth Volunteers (Ages 11+)

FeedMore provides valuable community-service opportunities for youth volunteers with the chance to build skills and directly participate in the fight against hunger. Children 11 years of age and older can participate as special event helpers, backpack packers, Meals on Wheels delivery riders (with a parent), and more.

Camp Comfort Zone  (Age: 15+)
Volunteers are essential to the mission of Comfort Zone Camp – a summer camp that provides support and comfort to children and youth who have lost a loved one or family member. Teens can serve as Junior Counselors, but must be a minimum age of 15 to qualify. To learn more click here, call (804) 377-3430, or email info@comfortzonecamp.org.

Children’s Hospital of Richmond (Ages 14-17)

The Junior Volunteer Program gives teens a chance to experience the benefits of donating time and services to the community, and to explore career options in the health care field. There are a limited number of positions available for this popular program. Visit the VCU Medical Center Volunteer Services website to learn more.

 Habitat for Humanity (Ages 5-18)
With a wide array of volunteer opportunities available for nearly every age, Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Programs are the perfect way to help touch the lives of families in the Richmond area. See a complete listing of upcoming events and opportunities here.

 Bon Secours Hospitals (Age: 15+)  See individual facility requirements below.