HEBRON — Two-hundred fifty students from Hebron Academy scattered across the state to various organizations to perform community service as part of the Community Life program at the school.

Students went as far away as Portland, Woolwich and Brunswick, and stayed as close as Hebron, Auburn and Oxford Hills.

Organizations like Habitat for Humanity welcomed Hebron students to a house building project in Brunswick where they helped paint trim and move building materials; The Good Shepherd Food-Bank in Auburn received help packaging up bulk food for easier distribution to families in need; the residents of the Maine Veterans’ Home at Clover Manor in Auburn were treated to a concert by student musicians; and many local areas got a nice autumn clean up.

“Community Service Day is part of an evolution of our overall community outreach,” said Alex Godomsky, director of Student Life at Hebron. “Community service has always been a part of the culture at Hebron so, five years ago, we decided to make it an annual, full day of focus for the students. We see it not only as a way to give back to organizations in need, but also a way for all our students to connect with the area in which they go to school, to become involved and part of the overall Maine community.”

The annual date of Community Service Day is the week before students head home for the Thanksgiving break. “It is a great way for the kids to get into the giving spirit for the holidays,” said Godomsky. “It’s also a great way for them to feel good about themselves and their contributions, which is a feeling they can take home to share with their families.”

The list of organizations that benefit from the Hebron student volunteers grows every year, allowing students the experience of giving back in numerous ways.