Depth of Field

DEPTH OF FIELD A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER

78 VOLUNTEERS FROM YORK 575 VOLUNTEER HOURS IN FALL 0F 2020

When crisis strikes, York turns outward to see how we can help. In spring of 2020, at the onset of COVID, several students designed face shields and masks while others worked on protective shields for nurses to use when intubating COVID patients. Mr. Brookhouser, Dr. Hanna, and Ms. Moneypenny helped with the production and delivery of these products to local hospitals. Over the summer, students volunteered at All-In Monterey County, a new community group offering fresh food and life essentials to those impacted by COVID. York faculty came together to donate supplies for a community breakfast, where students also stepped in to lend a helping hand. The Food Bank for Monterey County is one of the donors of food to All-In, so Oscar ’22 and Lily ’23 quickly made the connection and began planning and organizing a volunteer day. Due to COVID-19, the Food Bank lost many of their volunteers. The organization went from 500 volunteers to 60 National Guard members, and, finally, to just 15 National Guard members. York School was the only high school (and one of only 3 groups total) to volunteer. The experience turned out to be a lifeline to our local community, ensuring our neighbors receive nutritious food during this tumultuous time. By September 2020, with the fires affecting our communities, the Food Bank was providing food to about 50% of Monterey County. Weekly volunteering at the Food Bank continues to this day and offers an opportunity for York students to give back, as well as a chance to safely come together in person. “I’m so grateful that we’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at the Food Bank. I feel like I’ve been actively helping the community throughout these past few months while also being able to reconnect with classmates in person.”

- Lily Berrysmith ‘23