Written by: Nathan Albrecht, Staff writer
KINDNESS: One small act of kindness by one of our own Poly Bears.
During the holiday season, people are reminded by the gift of giving to those who aren’t as fortunate. Volunteering during the holidays is a perfect example of how we can participate in helping those in need. The holiday season is a special time of year for many of us. It may not feel special, however, for those in need of basic housing or other necessities, it is. For one Riverside Poly sophomore, Nicole Mateljan, providing assistance to those in need during the holidays has become an annual event.
Mateljan’s (10) act of kindness during the holidays has come in many forms over the years. This year, she provided an extra hand by feeding the homeless in her hometown, Riverside, California. She describes her experience of “help[ing] the homeless” as allowing herself and others to feel less alone during the holidays. Hot Meals at Copeland Hall is a special holiday charity event organized through Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside and the surrounding communities. Mateljan (10) and over forty other volunteers plan, shop, cook, organize, and serve nearly 150 homeless or near-homeless each Sunday during the holiday season. Mateljan (10) describes those receiving meals as having “warm smiles and thankful words for the opportunity to eat a warm meal”. Mateljan (10) is especially excited when she is able to assist and serve young children in attendance at the functions. Nicole Mateljan (10) is just one of many Riverside Poly High School students giving back to their community.
If you would like to help volunteer or become an active part of the community, you can visit Calvary Presbyterian Church located at 4495 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92501 or contact them at (951) 686-0761. The church also has other events such as the Operation Safe House meals which provides meals for teens that are in need of shelter. Calvary Presbyterian Church can provide additional details on their sponsored events to help make a change during the holidays, and throughout the year.