Thurston HS Students Use Community Service Hours to Help Relieve Medical Costs for One of Their Own

Thurston High School kicked off efforts to turn community service hours into funds for a 16-year-old recovering from brain cancer in an emotional assembly November 9, 2023.

Sparrow Clubs of Willamette Valley is a non-profit that uses youth community service hours to unlock financial donations for families with a child suffering a major medical condition. 

According to the organization, "each Sparrow Club is hosted by a school that chooses to adopt a sparrow with a severe illness or condition."

16-year-old Sam Lockard is Thurston High School's recipient.

If students complete 300 hours or more of community service, the recipient's family will receive $3,000 to relieve medical costs. The organization says some schools go beyond, contributing 1,000 hours or more. 

In a press release, Sparrow Clubs of Willamette Valley said that community service might be raking leaves, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or delivering meals to seniors. 

"It’s the students who do the work," says Julie Burket, Sparrow Clubs’ Willamette Valley Director. "They show what true community means by supporting one of their own.”

Hayden Homes and its non-profit partner First Story is one of Sparrow Clubs of Willamette Valley's local partners. Hayden Homes and First Story presented the Sparrow Clubs of Willamette Valley with a $10,000 check before the assembly to support their mission.

Three SPS schools will host Sparrow Clubs this year.