By Kaitlyn Richards

Student writer

To the Millis Community, the local organization Millis Rec Serves has become a credible and reliable group that focuses on serving in different volunteer settings. Seen at all Millis Recreation events, Millis Rec Serves is built of Millis Middle School and Millis High School students. 

Erin Leblanc, the Teen Coordinator for Millis Recreation, helped create the organization in Dec. 2021 along with other members of Millis Recreation.

“I believe that Community Service is wonderful because it offers fulfillment to those who serve and, at the same time, aids various parts of a community in many ways. In my experience, often the most impressive and compassionate volunteers can be found within the Middle and High School population. As the Teen Program Coordinator for Millis Recreation Department, creating a platform for service for local middle and high school students was a natural venture that was exciting for our department,” said Leblanc. 

She believes that, “Serving others allows volunteers to realize their value while providing important assistance to those in need. Oftentimes, sharing your time and talents with others offers a reprieve from the stressors of daily life while providing a sense of fulfillment.  It is clear to me that our community is happier and healthier due to the efforts of our Millis Rec Serves volunteers.”Millis Rec Serves has grown an incredible amount since its start. 

Leblanc said, “In 2021, we participated in four events with 32 volunteers on the Millis Rec Serves Roster and we donated a collective 104.5 hours back to our community. In 2022, we participated in 13 events, had 73 volunteers on the roster, and donated 337 hours back into our community. 500+ hours seemed like a reasonable goal that would pursue additional service opportunities for our Rec Serves volunteers.”

She is proud to report that, “In 2023, we now have grown to 113 volunteers, have participated in 21 service events, and have logged 716.5 collective hours back into our community.”

The organization is looking forward to continuing serving and giving back to the Millis community in 2024.