Lives have been forever altered due to a single club founded in 2001, Service and Leadership Today and Tomorrow, better known as SALTT. The impact SALTT carries over the students at Immaculata-La Salle and the children of impoverished families is irreplaceable.
“ ,” shared Mr. Timothy Gamwell, club adviser.
He himself has noticed his life be greatly touched by his participation in the prominent program, and is grateful for all the experiences it has opened to him. It left a notable mark on his everyday life that he now helps make on other students.
“Camp changed my life. I wouldn’t be the teacher, father, or person of faith that I am without it. I believe it all truly comes from the experience I had my junior year,” he said.
He shared the valuable legacy of connection that is created and its importance. Assisting the lives of underprivileged kids and providing not only service opportunities, but an insight into their struggles for those members of the club, are invaluable opportunities.
“We make sure those kids are given every chance to not be excluded and use this as a possibility for another future as ILS students as mentors,” he explained.
SALTT continues to aim for more events and abilities to enhance the engagement between students and these children. They do so with events such as Back to School Tools, Mighty Maya Monster Mash, and Santa’s Workshop, where the two groups can connect and aid each other.
“We try our best to have many activities for the kids to enjoy and experience inclusion and friendship with our students, while giving our students a view of how many blessings they have in life,” said Mr. Gamwell.
Consisting of 450 members, Mr. Gamwell sees SALTT’s high involvement rate as no shock because of the inspiring message, adorable merchandise, and amazing opportunities it offers.
“Students are constantly wearing the shirts and representing the club so more people are brought in. As well as our four annual trips that make even more students interested,” explained.
Junior Gina Weinstein also added, “I believe students see the authentic and genuine message that SALTT aims to spread and they want to be apart of it.”
With a limited number of service hour activities provided to ILS students, SALTT arguably carries the weight for being the most involved club. This contributes to some of its appeal and fosters meaningful and powerful connections for the student body.
“We are often being excused from school early because of the abundant service opportunities the club gives. There is always something happening,” shared Gina.
In addition to the undeniable influence on SALTT members, the club changes lives outside of school borders, reaching the hearts of little children through high school mentors and creating impactful bonds that alter lives vastly.
“The kids are affected in such a way that the mentors give them a safe space to go to and more importantly a beacon of hope,” Gina said.
Essentially, SALTThas created an effective and lasting impact on various lives, making for a more loving and connected community.
