Last weekend, a team of ILTexas Keller-Saginaw High School students spent the day serving at the Cindy Ramsey Center, an experience that proved even more meaningful than they expected. In just a few hours, students helped provide food to more than 900 families, supporting the Center’s ongoing work to offer essential resources to the community.

 

What stood out most to students was the human side of the day. As they packed boxes, loaded cars, and greeted families, many shared how humbled they felt meeting people showing strength through difficult circumstances. Others reflected on how volunteering together created new connections and a shared sense of purpose.

Above all, the day was filled with joy: joy from families receiving support, joy from students working together, and joy in realizing how small acts of service can reach hundreds of people. One student captured the feeling perfectly:

“I thought I was going there to give, but I ended up receiving so much more.”

Experiences like this reflect the ILTexas motto, Others Before Self, and highlight why service is such an important part of the ILTexas mission. Through opportunities like these, students learn to lead with empathy and take responsibility for bettering their community.

Every weekend, ILTexas students continue to volunteer at the Cindy Ramsey Center, earning service hours, building leadership skills, and discovering the impact they can make when they choose to serve.