Volunteer Spotlight

Can you provide a bit of history about your organization?

Myself and Elle McSweeney, the presidents of the Students Together Assisting Refugees Club, have been participating in Westfield Fun Club for over 5 years. Fun Club is an organization that assists refugees in learning English, becoming citizens, and all other aspects of life in the US that they may need assistance in. Fun Club aims to create a foundation for refugees to create better lives for themselves and their children. We wanted to bring Fun Club to Westfield High School to continue this goal and raise more money for the organization.

How long have you been with this organization?

I have been volunteering with Fun Club for 6 years. Fun Club began as my bat mitzvah project, but I fell in love with the inspirational work they do and even fell in love with the refugees themselves.

What drew you to be part of this group?

Many volunteering opportunities and charities do not allow you to interact directly with the people you are raising money for. I love that in Fun Club I have had the opportunity to build connections with the refugees and see how my support has directly affected their lives.

What types of tasks do you perform?

The Students Together Assisting Refugees Club (STAR Club) aims to raise more money that can be directly donated to Fun Club to help them supply the refugees with more food, toiletries, clothing, etc.

How can the community help your efforts?

The community can support either the Westfield Fun Club or the STAR Club by donating money to either one! Additionally, Fun Club is held every Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm at Temple Emanuel and everyone is welcome to come and volunteer.

How can someone get involved with your organization and volunteer?

Fun Club is held every Saturday from 10:00am-12:00pm at Temple Emanuel and is always looking for new volunteers. Volunteers can participate in activities with the refugees such as art projects, homework help, games, learning English, and more! Additionally, the STAR Club is looking for new members who attend Westfield High School and are interested in helping us raise more money for the refugees!