Community Service | Community | City and Country School, New York

Students Lead the Way

Throughout the year, Groups and students are guided to select and own projects, enabling them to make meaningful contributions. This approach helps children develop critical thinking skills, a sense of belonging, and compassion, transforming them into active contributors to a better world.
 

Rooted in Empathy and Community

Community Roots is an immersive afterschool service learning program for children ages 8 to 13, designed to deepen their understanding of social responsibility and community engagement. Through hands-on projects, thoughtful discussion, and collaborative problem-solving, students explore empathy, teamwork, and what it means to give back.

Rooted in City and Country’s mission, this class invites students to identify real issues affecting their school and neighborhood. Through dialogue and shared reflection, they propose ideas, choose causes that matter to them, and work together to take meaningful action. Facilitators support the process, while children lead with curiosity and purpose.

Community Roots helps young people grow as thinkers, collaborators, and compassionate citizens—empowered to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Partnering With Parents and Outreach Organizations

Community Outreach parent volunteers partner with grade levels to organize opportunities for local neighbors in need. Reach out to communityoutreach@cityandcountry.org to learn more.

1. The Red Door Place
   ○ Distributes food to 2,500-3,000 guests every Tuesday.
   ○ Seventh graders and their teachers assist with packing and distributing items.
2.  Fall Feast in a Bag Drive (Thanksgiving)
   ○ Hosted by Community Outreach and seventh graders, created 300 food bags
   and distributing over 250 turkeys and chickens last November.
   ○ Involved 35-40 parent volunteers and served about 300 guests a festive meal.
3.  MLK Family Service Day
   ○ Hosted by fifth graders with 200 volunteers.
   ○ Prepared 300-350 lunch bags, 300 cookie bags, and 400 toiletry gift bags.
   ○ 40-50 C&C members served hot meals to 300 guests.
4.  Cicero Project
   ○ Hosted by the sixth grader, collects 15-18 boxes of children’s books annually.
   ○ C&C donates the highest amount of books among downtown schools.