Over February break, I was able to spend some of my free time volunteering through a new volunteer app called Project Happy. This app is very efficient and easy to use. The sign-up process is very simple, with just a few clicks of a button, you can sign up for a volunteer session too! Project Happy offers a wide variety of opportunities to choose from. I chose two volunteer opportunities; SEE Science Center and MPAL’s PizzaFest.

On Wednesday I headed over to the SEE Science Center for two hours to help out with running activity stations for the visitors. My station featured making DIY Harmonicas out of popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and straws. Many of the kids visiting that day got to enjoy making these little projects at these stations. I got a chance to help these kids in building this instrument and seeing how happy they were to play music. 

The next day I went over to MPAL where students can connect with police and participate in various activities like cooking and sports. During the time of my Volunteering, MPAL was hosting their Pizza Fest Event. During this event they allow the kids and police officers to fill up a pizza platter with either cheese or a specialty pizza. Once they have tried all the different pizzas given by the handful of pizza places participating in this event, they vote on who’s pizza they liked best. It was my duty, along with my friend Tessa’s, to be stationed at the Domino’s table and hand out slices of pizza. Everyone, from the students and police to the volunteers, was enjoying their time. And after everyone ate their pizza and voted, we were all joined together to be on the news and take a group photo. 

My experience over February break using Project Happy and volunteering for both SEE Science Center and MPAL was amazing. It was both memorable and exciting. I hope to find more fun opportunities in the future as it is a fun and easy way to get volunteer hours!

Learn more about Project Happy from the Manchester School District here