More than 100 faculty and staff members at Tacoma’s Charles Wright Academy used part of their inservice day on Feb. 15 to give a little back to the community around the school. Every year, with students away for the President’s Day weekend, the faculty and staff gathers for professional development. About three years ago, they decided to add community engagement to their professional development curriculum. Since 2011, the adult members of the Charles Wright community have volunteered more than 600 hours in support of numerous projects around Pierce County, including a beach cleanup at nearby Chambers Bay and working in the greenhouses and fields at L’Arche Farms in Tacoma. 

The list of organizations receiving support changes from year to year based on the needs of the community. Every year, employees nominate projects or organizations in the surrounding communities where they wish to volunteer their time and talents. Some employees also work on projects on campus that benefit the school itself.

Setting aside a day for employees to volunteer has many benefits according to organizers. “Of course, it benefits the recipients, but it’s also been beneficial to our own campus community,” according to Sam Harris, Charles Wright’s Middle School Librarian and one of the event’s coordinators.  “It’s an opportunity for faculty and staff with different responsibilities on campus to work together. That fosters communication, deeper understanding, and ultimately helps strengthen our own community. “ 

Over the years, Charles Wright employees have volunteered their time and talents with many groups, including:

• L'Arche

• Mary Bridge Hospital’s Camp Erin

• Chambers Bay 

• Emergency Food Network

• Toy Rescue Mission

• Oasis Youth Center

• Pierce County Aids Foundation

• Harbor Association of Volunteers for Animals (HAVA)