By Mary O’KEEFE

It has been a difficult two years for students with their schools being shut down due to the pandemic, virtual learning and isolation, then back to school with masks and vaccinations. There is also the concern not only for their health but also the health of loved ones.

For members of the Prom Plus Club (PPC) at Crescenta Valley High School, another aspect of COVID-19 isolation was the cancellation of events that need volunteers. PPC at Crescenta Valley High School has historically been a very dynamic philanthropic club.

Prom Plus is an after-prom party offering CVHS seniors and their guests a place to go after prom that is safe and fun. The first Prom Plus event was held in 1994 at the then-empty ­– and future home of – Clark Magnet High School. The event eventually moved to the YMCA of the Foothills in La Cañada Flintridge and evolved into a party that includes a full casino, zip line, bungee run and many more games. The seniors and their guests are fed throughout the night, as are adult volunteers who are there to provide support through the night.

PPC was founded about eight years ago by students at CVHS and is the youth arm for the main organization. From its beginning, PPC has been an active volunteer force. It was not uncommon for PPC members to be volunteering every weekend during some months.

PPC held virtual meetings during the pandemic and decided on projects they would do once restrictions were relaxed. With masks and social distancing, PPC members began working on building a Little Library and Little Food Pantry in front of the Fire House youth center at St. Luke’s of the Mountains Episcopal Church. The project began when PPC members realized there were a growing number of families in need and that some did not have the means to get to local food banks. It took almost a year between COVID surges to build the library and food panty but the project finally was finished. St. Luke’s of the Mountains church members and PPC now oversee the library and food pantry.

In December, PPC members helped the Glendale Police Dept. gather items for its annual toy drive. PPC partnered with CV Instrumental Music and, with strong support from the American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars 1614, were able to collect over 300 toys for families in need.

Recently, the club members volunteered and supported the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce bingo night, worked to organize and make future plans for the Fire House youth center.

On Saturday, members volunteered to clean Redondo Beach with Surfrider Beach cleanup. PPC members are happy as their calendar continues to fill up with more volunteer opportunities and more ways to help their community.