by Uma Duriraj ’19
A small group of students volunteered at Shane’s Inspiration on a trip organized by the head of community service, Victoria Goddard. On Nov. 21, they went to “My Play Club,” a monthly event where volunteers can play with and guide disabled children. Students played with children of all ages with disabilities that ranged from autism to paralysis.
Shane’s Inspiration is a non-profit organization that builds universally usable playgrounds for disabled children all around the world. It was founded by Catherine and Scott Williams after the passing of their disabled son, Shane. They wanted to make sure that other children would have a chance to have a bias-free childhood and, as a result, introduced their playgrounds.
“It’s a really inspiring organization because you get to meet so many children. It helps you realize that although people have disabilities, they are still equal to us and deserve a fun, carefree childhood… I love being able to meet so many children and [I’m] hopefully making a difference to them and their families,” Anja Clark ’19, one of the volunteers, said.
With the new focus on the school mission statement, going on community service trips and helping out in the community is one of the many ways students can become more involved and aware of the world.
“I wanted to feel a part of the community, and since our community is focused on ‘purpose beyond oneself,” I really wanted to achieve that feeling. It was really fun to become more a part of the Harvard-Westlake community, and the Shane’s Inspiration one, as well,” Eva ElAttrache ‘21 said.
This organization has helped thousands of children, and appreciates any volunteers that can help out.