Cutter Morning Star students practice service above self
The Cutter Morning Star Rotary Interact Club practiced its philosophy of “service above self” on March 8 at Jackson House.
The students in grades 9-12, under the direction of CMS Career Coach Christi Nation, were holding their annual “CMS Welcomes Spring” event for the community.
The Rotary Interact Club is a student-led organization at Cutter Morning Star High School made up of 30 students.
“Our numbers have tripled since last year,” Nation said. “We are constantly growing.”
The organization believes in “teaching high school students how to be community members,” Nation said, noting the hope for this event is that over their lifetime the students will continue to contribute to the Jackson House.
Fifteen of the students volunteered their time and efforts to put on the spring event for the Jackson House involving lunch, games, music and prizes.
Oaklawn Rotary Club member Eleanor Sherfield, the liaison for Nation and the students, noted the impact this event has on the community.
“There’s always a big smile. They love to see the students. There is so much bad publicity on teens nowadays, but these kids love helping. They are very giving,” Sherfield said. “They love to do for others if given the opportunity.”
Both Nation and Sherfield agree that exposing students at an early age to ways they can give back to their community reaps positive long-lasting effects. Nation said she believes some of the many life skills students earn include charity and selflessness.
“They learn to be on time, if you
make a commitment you keep that commitment,” Nation said.
The CMS Rotary Interact Club, led by senior President Sophia Harris, meets monthly to plan various community events throughout the year.
Harris said she especially loves the volunteer experience at Jackson House.
“You get to be with your people, give back, put food into people’s tummy, it’s the best thing you can do,” she said.
She said she believes being a leadership figure of the Rotary Interact Club has allowed her confidence to soar and has sharpened her public speaking skills. “Sometimes you gotta have the light on you,” she said.
Jackson House has been serving the Hot Springs community since May of 1977. The community crisis center serves 160-200 lunches free of charge to community members a day.
“A lot of people think the meals are just for the homeless, but that is not the case,” Jackson House Assistant Director Tammy Jones said.
“We have a lot of seniors, veterans, and we even act as the lunchroom for many home-school students and their families.
“It’s hard for some people to ask for help,” Jones said. “We want them to know that even bad times have something good in them.”
Jones described Jackson House as the “community’s organization” as it currently has over 450 registered volunteers. Prospective volunteers can come by the organization at 705 Malvern Ave. Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. After asking for Jones, they can expect a tour and to “get plugged in” where they fit best.
Apart from the meal program, Jackson House has a thrift store that is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The store gladly accepts donations.
“We want these people to be able to shop like everybody else. Nothing is trash, everything is useful,” Jones said.
“Jackson House is really like a vessel. People bring things to us and we give it out responsibly. We don’t want to enable people. We will offer assistance in job searching, SNAP applications, acquiring a license, and more.”
Additionally, Jackson House offers a program called Hope Works with the city of Hot Springs. Community members can come work for four hours picking up litter where they will receive $11 an hour in cash at the end of the shift.
“We meet on the gravel lot (at Jackson House) at 7:30 a.m. typically Tuesday through Thursday. If you need a bill paid, you can come work. If you need to go buy an ID for a job application, you can come work. Our main goal is to open up possibilities for the community,” Jones said.
More information about Jackson House volunteering and giving opportunities can be found at: http://www.jacksonhouse.org