A September Service Push

When Amor Caritas Day was established in 2011, it was conceived as a singular event for the Dana Hall community to come together and serve one or a few specific organizations. For many years, the event featured three service options on the same day, which allowed the School to reach more organizations and give volunteers some choice about where they put their efforts.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been challenging to find placements that can accommodate 80 to 100 volunteers. Additionally, the one-day model limited participation because of the busy schedules of students, families, faculty and staff, so this fall, the School offered Amor Caritas Days — a September service push — over the first four weeks of the school year.

During multiple events over multiple dates, students worked at the Dedham Food Pantry, volunteered at Ellie Bloom Olympics, packed 15,000 meals of rice and beans with End Hunger New England, sorted donations at Household Goods, and supported the Charles River Center 5K road race. In addition, the 10th grade Class Retreat featured service work with Rise Up Against Hunger. In September alone, students and employees volunteered for nearly 400 hours.

“I love the positive energy and momentum that Amor Caritas Days brings,” said Angela Macedo, director of Community Service Programs. “Students from all different grades working alongside Dana adults to make a difference in our local communities demonstrates the strength and heart of the Dana Hall community.”