On Thursday, Dec. 10, Outreach held their semester party as a way to end the year on a high note. Members of the club gathered in Ms. Susan Stolar’s room to enjoy pizza, drinks, and each other’s company, old and new friends alike. They also came to learn, like at other general meetings, about the new volunteering opportunities organized and presented by the club’s officers.

This year, the members of Outreach made a big impact on the Austin community by helping out in many different ways. For example, every Saturday morning, several members visited Heartland Health Care Center to assist the elderly with playing bingo.

“I volunteered at Heartland Health Care Center last weekend and that was interesting,” Straley Webb ‘19 said. “I helped with bingo and I helped serve lunch; I liked meeting new people there.”

They also participated in annual, nationwide events that aim at giving service to people in need just in time for the holidays like Operation Turkey. Operation Turkey took place on Thanksgiving morning, and members of Outreach played a key role in bringing smiles to the faces of those that were less fortunate than themselves.

“I think my favorite volunteering project this year might be the Operation Turkey one; a lot of extensive people, like family and friends came home and had this turkey party,” Xin Yao ‘18 said.

Even though this semester is almost coming to an end, Outreach officers are still providing club members with volunteering opportunities for the near future. Members were pleased with the projects they participated in this year and anticipate the projects to come.

“I’m really excited for next year,” Helen Fang ’19 said. “There are so many fun options the club offers for you to partake in, like helping out with the Trail of Lights. I can’t wait to see what they offer the upcoming semester.”