While many seniors are preparing for their next chapter as they receive college decisions, Communk Ink is staying focused on making a lasting impact by continuing to host Plowshares reading events and donation drives. Co-directed by seniors Jules Jaffe, Nell Ranalli, and Alexis Van Buskirk, Community Ink strives to give back to the Newton community through volunteering opportunities. 

According to Jaffe, Community Ink has organized events with Plowshares preschoolers in the past. For instance, Wednesday, Feb. 5, Community Ink members read their favorite childhood stories to a group of Plowshares preschoolers, listening closely as each page turned. 

Jaffe said, “It reinforces our standing relationship with Plowshares, and allows us to give back to the community by helping the younger generation.” 

According to Jaffe, Ranalli, and Van Buskirk, students interested in joining can do so simply by showing up to a meeting. Community Ink is extremely flexible, with no required events or meetings for any of the members.

According to Plowshares site director Lorelle Rosenbaum, Community Ink allows preschoolers to be exposed to people of different ages and backgrounds. 

 “I think being part of this community, they can meet all different types of people,” said Rosenbaum. “They love to get to know these high school friends.” 

Other events Community Ink has held in the past include charity drives for Cradles to Crayons and Welcome Home, as well as singing at senior homes. Jaffe added that before the year ends, Community Ink hopes to hold another drive, most likely for Cradles to Crayons.

“Our goal is to make the lives of the community members we help better and brighter,” said Van Birshirk.

According to Jaffe, the direct nature of Community Ink adds a personal layer to events such as reading to Plowshares. 

“It really made me feel like I was actively doing something for my community,” said Jaffe.