Braving a cold, windy day, over 300 attendees brought warmth and purpose across King School’s campus during the annual King Cares Family Service Day. Through a wide array of service projects — from packing meals for those in need, creating decorations to lift the spirit of nursing home residents, preparing baskets of essential items for immigrants, and more — the King community once again demonstrated its deep-rooted commitment to service and partnership.

“One of the things I’m most proud of from my time at King is community service,” said Student Body President Kiran Rao ’25 in the day's opening remarks. “Working with these organizations and having an impact that goes beyond our scope of Stamford, even into places like Central and Latin America, is something that’s really wonderful.” 

Other students echoed Kiran’s remarks, speaking to the impact that participation in service projects has had on them.

“Volunteering through King Cares has shown me the importance of leadership, gratitude, and kindness, and has given me some of the best memories from my time here at King,” said Maddy Prather ’25.

“Every time I volunteer, whether it's helping in an event or organizing a drive, I’m reminded that even small efforts can have a big impact,” said Katie Ruhe ’25. “King Cares has helped me find a deeper connection to the people around me, and it's given me a real sense of purpose outside the classroom.”

This year’s event supported the missions of 21 partner organizations both locally and abroad.

"Watching students, families, and King School staff come together in support of CLC was not only heartwarming but a great reminder of what community collaboration looks like,” noted Anna Witkowski, Chief Education Officer at Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County.

“The ongoing support from King has made a real difference for Building One Community and the participants we serve,” shared Building One Community’s Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer Sierra. “We couldn’t do this work without their help, and we deeply appreciate all that King does to support our mission.”

Building One Community Workforce Development Coordinator Jessica Stone P’25 reflected on her family’s many years of involvement in Family Service Days since joining King in 2012.

“I think it’s great how King involves the kids of all ages,” she said. “I am proud to be part of a school that strongly believes in giving back to the community.”

Kara Osorio, Director of Operations for Orphaned Starfish Foundation, expressed her appreciation for the school's long-standing partnership.

“We truly cherish this partnership and value the impact it makes both in the lives of our students and in the lives of the students at King School learning about giving back, community, empathy, and kindness,” she said.

After completing the morning’s service projects, participants convened in the Performing Arts Center Courtyard to enjoy pizza, live music from Project Music, balloon animals, and face painting.

The annual KSPCA club-sponsored pet adoption event brought even more smiles as nine pets found new forever homes, with many more families submitting applications for future adoptions.

Even as the wind blew and temperatures dipped, the energy of the day remained high. King Cares Family Day of Service continues to be a defining event in the school’s calendar, one that fosters leadership, community bonds, and a lasting spirit of giving.

Though the weather was brisk, the spirit was anything but cold as the impact, stories, and connections made during King Cares Family Day of Service truly reflected the power of community-driven action.