Service Connects Us

Reach Out has always been an essential part of what the MJS motto – Actions not Words – means to all of us. From making treats and collecting towels for the Humane Society in Kindergarten to visiting with and making weighted blankets for students at Villa Esperanza in fourth grade, every year at MJS, students are given the opportunity to make meaningful connections with charitable organizations in our community. Even in this unusual year, the benefits truly outweigh the challenges, especially as thinking about others never fails to remind us to be grateful, and working together for good (even at a safe distance) connects us.

Mayfield’s Class of 2021 forged ahead with Reach Out efforts as soon as school started. With creative thinking and care, they held a modified Harvest Festival to kick off fundraising. An amazing raffle, online activities, drive-thru games, and enthusiastic trunks or treats provided a day of celebration and a start to a year of service. The Class also declared a Week of Gratitude in November starting on Veterans Day with a necessity drive for Operation Gratitude, which works to forge strong bonds between Americans and the Military and First Responders. The 8th graders also led their school families to write thank you letters to mail to active military at home and abroad.

For nearly 20 years, the Christmas Adopt-a-Family project providing Christmas gifts for the women and children at Good Shepherd Shelter in Los Angeles has been a big part of Mayfield’s Advent season traditions. Although pandemic rules paused the traditional wish list gifts, wrapping, and display at the annual Christmas luncheon, gift cards were collected for Good Shepherd at a drive-thru drop-off. 

In these uncertain times, the joy discovered in continuing to help others and sharing our blessings gather our community- perhaps not physically - but as one heart and mind.