It’s the season of giving, so now’s the time to get out in the community and help where needed. The holiday season comes with not only opportunities to volunteer in the community, but also time off from school to dedicate towards important matters. Giving back to the community is something that is valued by many people, including sophomore Addie Maxwell, who values the idea of spreading her love of helping others to the people around her.
“I enjoy volunteering because it is something that you can give even when you have nothing. It’s such a heartwarming feeling to know you left a positive impact on someone else and their life, you brighten their day a little more,” said Maxwell.
Maxwell is the Sophomore Representative on the Hudson Community First student board. As a part of the group, she is in charge of reaching out to local events for volunteer opportunities that they then send out to the members of the organization.
“It is important for students [to volunteer] because it engages them in the community they live in and is an opportunity for them to make positive impacts on Hudson’s residents and those who may come visit,” Maxwell shared. “It helps make the students more rounded people, along with fueling their passion to give to others.”
During the holiday season, Maxwell has taken part in various Holiday activities, including volunteering at the Holiday Gift Shop held at East Woods. At the event, children are able to walk around and pick out gifts for their family and friends. Volunteers help to guide the kids around to the different tables and pick out what to buy. Some also choose to help at the wrapping table where they make the children’s picks look like presents. “It’s a great way to connect with the youth of the community and inspire them to volunteer and give back as well,” explained Maxwell.
Maxwell’s hard work does not go unnoticed. It’s seen and appreciated by everyone she surrounds herself with, including Sophomore Charlotte Smethem. “Addie and I have been friends since elementary school when we both participated in Girl Scouts,” shared Smethem. “My favorite thing about her is her dedication to the things and people she loves. She is always out in the community helping others and volunteering whenever an opportunity comes up, but also spends lots of time with her family and friends and cherishes each and every relationship.”
Joining Hudson Community First during Maxwell’s freshman year of high school is what sparked her interest in helping out in our community. “I recommend that every student join Hudson Community First and be active when volunteer opportunities arise.” While the student board is in charge of reaching out to local volunteer opportunities, the adult board is in charge of planning events and fundraisers. All together, they are the core of the popular organization and work hard to engage students in their community and give them the chance to make positive impacts on the people around them. “It helps make the students more rounded people, along with fueling their passion to give to others.”
Maxwell’s position on the student board was chosen by the adult runners of the club towards the end of last year. Anyone is able to fill out the application, but only one student is chosen from each grade to be the representative of their grade. “The position incorporates her notable leadership skills and her love for community service,” said Smethem.
Although Addie’s love for giving back is a major reason towards her involvement, her passion also branches toward getting other people involved. “I think it is extremely important for those who enjoy volunteering to also encourage others around them to volunteer as well, it is a great way to enrich the community and touch others hearts,” she says. This points out her selflessness and true drive to help people who might need it.
Addie’s commitment towards helping others is evident in everything that she does. “Three words that describe her are thoughtful, diligent and compassionate. Her caring nature also shows as she strives to volunteer and is so amazing at doing so,” said Smethem.
Her work in the community goes farther than just helping the organization, students are impacted too as she inspires people to follow her lead by giving back to the community of Hudson.
