Operation Shoestring

Operation Shoestring was founded in 1968 to help break the racial tension that was going on in Jackson, Mississippi. It is an year-round academic and social support program for elementary through high school students to ensure educational success that also provides resources to families. Their staff is filled with certified teachers, volunteers, and community partners to ensure the success and emotional support to each child in their program. People from all over central Mississippi come to this sight and work with the students. Some come and donate food, some come to sing songs, while others may just stop by to donate clothing. Star Pool, coordinator of Operation Shoestring, stated “ Our mission is investing in the hearts and minds of our
We played adding and subtracting games with blocks to improve math skills, wrote stories about different topics to improve reading and writing skills, built volcanoes to improve science skills, and arts and crafts. I came up with each activity on my own to accomplish the goal of creating a fun, yet educational learning environment for the students. At the end of the day other counselors and myself brought the students together for enrichment, a time for the children to let loose and be themselves. That was a time for the kids to dance, play sports, or just sit around and nap that was their time to rule the building. Outside of the site the students went on field trips that allowed them to be kids. The most memorable trip that was taking was our tip to Old Mississippi State Capitol where we learned about the history of our
You are not only helping someone in areas where they can’t necessarily help themselves, but also helping yourself. You are gaining character and leadership skills to better your future career, There are many issues in the community that a simple act of service can help. Volunteering is also very valuable when it comes to entering college. It shows colleges that the applicant is bringing something to their campus and they are ready to go above and beyond to succeed and accomplish goals inside the classroom. It can also impress admission officers when trying to enroll in graduate school. Once out of college volunteering can demonstrate to future employers that you have a dedications for your community and would have the same for your