For Sandra Vides (SV), volunteering as a chaperone meant stepping into a world of art, theater, and youthful energy. It also meant the chance to ensure every student felt safe and supported during their journey.
AC: What organization or local cause did you volunteer for?
SV: Volunteered as a chaperone for a high school field trip.
AC: Can you please provide an overview of their mission?
SV: It was the Fine Arts department of the school. It was to provide different views into art and theater.
AC: Was this your first time volunteering for this organization or cause? Please elaborate.
SV: This was my 1st time volunteering as a chaperone for a trip like this. It was 2 nights out of state.
AC: Where there any requirements for this type of volunteerism?
SV: You need to have a background check and references.
AC: Why did you choose to volunteer here for your Day of Giving?
SV: I’m over cautious and felt like adding me to the mix, I would make sure everyone was where they had to be, not lose any kids.
AC: Can you tell us about your volunteer experience? What did you do? Did your time volunteering meet your expectations?
SV: Long and tiring bus ride. Went to 2 Broadway shows, “SIX’ and “The Outsiders”, and 2 museums, “RISE NY” and “The MET”. There was A LOT of walking and making sure the kids were all accounted for from one place to another. (60 + of them) Made sure everyone was in their assigned rooms at night had breakfast, lunch and dinner.
AC: What would you like to share to encourage others to volunteer their time and energy locally?
SV: If you are a parent of a child on the field trip they enjoy having you around as well. You know your child is safe and also gives parents who weren’t able to go security that their child is in safe hands.
AC: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your experience?
SV: Very exhausting moving teens from one place to another
Sandra’s story is a reminder that even when volunteering feels challenging, the rewards, like seeing students explore new worlds, make every step worthwhile.
✨ Explore more volunteer journeys like Sandra’s here – Inspiring Forward