Number of Participants: 35
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $2,958
Event Type: Civic & Community
Sport: Swimming
Date: November 23, 2024
Location:
Ludlow High School
Chapin Street, Ludlow
MA
About:
The Ludlow High School Swim team demonstrated their commitment to community service this holiday season by participating in two meaningful initiatives that made a positive impact.
On November 23rd, the team engaged in a heartfelt holiday card writing project, creating personalized messages for servicemen and women. Partnering with younger swimmers from the local Boys and Girls Club (BGC) swim team and the nonprofit Holiday Cards for Our Military Challenge (501c3), the swimmers crafted cards filled with gratitude and appreciation for deployed U.S. troops, veterans, and military families. Coordinated after a swim meet with the BGC team, this initiative included contributions from both high school and BGC swim families. Together, the students completed over 40 cards, which were sent to the collection site in New Hampshire. This effort was part of a larger campaign that successfully mailed over 365,000 cards nationwide, supported by Fidelity Investments and New Country 96.3 Programs.
The Ludlow swimmers didn’t stop there. This past weekend, they participated in Wreaths Across America, a national event dedicated to honoring fallen veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. The team joined local volunteers at Island Pond Cemetery, where they attended a remembrance ceremony facilitated by the local Veterans Center. Ten team members laid more than two boxes of wreaths, ensuring each wreath placement included saying the soldier’s name aloud and expressing gratitude for their service. Students also had the opportunity to learn about military grave marker symbolism from a retired Navy Chaplain, adding a deeper layer of understanding to their volunteer work. Despite the cold weather, the experience left a lasting impression on all involved.
Through these two initiatives, the Ludlow High School Swim team exemplified the true spirit of the holiday season, spreading cheer, gratitude, and respect within their community. Their dedication to giving back continues to inspire, showcasing how acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
