Highlights From a Season of Giving: LJCDS Students in Action
Through volunteer hours, donations, and creative service projects, LJCDS students turned compassion into action this fall.
Reflecting on the collective service efforts of the first half of the school year, LJCDS students—from the 3-year-old Tiny Torreys to the college-bound seniors—made a remarkable impact on the community. Service was a priority from day one, with Grade 10 and 11 students launching the year with dedicated Service Days. These early experiences set the tone for meaningful community involvement, encouraging students to connect with and support local organizations from the start.
Throughout the fall, students rallied the community around important causes. In October, Upper School students led Pink Month initiatives, organizing bake sales, athletic events, and T-shirt sales. Their efforts raised over $5,200 for the local Susan G. Komen Foundation, alongside an additional $4,720 donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Embracing the spirit of Halloween, Lower and Upper School students collaborated to assemble over 150 Halloween treat bags for Father Joe’s Villages, a nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Kindergarten students also spread joy by visiting Belmont Village Senior Living, where they paraded in festive costumes for the residents.
Lower School students continued their commitment to service by volunteering regularly with Feeding San Diego, sorting and packaging food for families in need. Meanwhile, the Early Childhood Center partnered with the San Diego Humane Society, organizing a successful drive to collect essential supplies such as sheets, blankets, toys, food, and treats. Our youngest Torreys also painted ceramic food bowls and packaged treats for shelter animals awaiting their forever homes.
In December, Grade 7 students participated in a Service Day, visiting four organizations: Belmont Village Senior Living, Words Alive, the San Diego River Park Foundation, and the USS Midway. These hands-on experiences allowed students to make a tangible impact while gaining valuable insights that will guide their upcoming service projects in the spring.
During the holiday season, the Giving Tree initiative provided over 260 gifts for foster children and youth in San Diego. This heartwarming effort was made possible through the dedication of the parent service liaison team—volunteers who wrapped and organized gifts—and the generosity of the entire LJCDS community.
Upper School students demonstrated exceptional commitment to service, contributing an impressive 4,850 hours during the fall semester. Their efforts spanned a variety of local initiatives, allowing them to apply their unique skills and interests to create meaningful change.
As the new year begins, LJCDS looks forward to continuing its service-learning journey. By championing meaningful causes and fostering a culture of giving, students and the community are set to make an even greater impact in the second half of the school year.
