All over the world, Interact Clubs are helping young students age 12-18 develop leadership skills, give back to their communities, and have fun doing it. There are nearly 15,000 Interact clubs in 145 countries and more than a third of a million Interactors discovering the meaning of Service Above Self. In District 6900 alone there are more than 50 Interact clubs, and six of those are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Thomasville.

Under normal circumstances, each Interact club is expected to plan and conduct two community service projects during the school year. Of course, we all know that the word ‘normal’ doesn’t come close to describing this season of pandemic which we’ve been enduring for nearly a year.

COVID-19 shut down many schools for a period of time and to this day has forced many students to opt for virtual learning over in-person instruction. It’s hard to do community service when ‘community’ has been relegated to just immediate family members. But not every Interact club has been forced into dormancy.

One club stands out for its grit and the kind of determination that characterizes budding leaders. The Christian Homeschool Association of Regional Thomasville (C.H.A.R.T.) Interact Club found ways to serve while staying safe. Teacher-advisor, Molly King, admits that “this year’s service projects have been a bit different” because of COVID-19, but she could not be prouder of club members’ creativity and enthusiasm.

One project which club members particularly enjoyed was meeting at beautiful Cherokee Lake to make toys for the animals at the Thomas County Humane Society and paint rocks to hide around town to brighten someone’s day. According to Ms. King, “the kids were excited to enjoy some time outdoors and enjoyed knowing their efforts would be appreciated.”

We salute the C.H.A.R.T. Interact Club for persevering in service above self.