A new volunteer club started this month with a mission of giving back to the Downey community. The Downey High School Humanities Club was founded on Dec. 2 and held its first meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

“I wanted to find a club that would not only help people out,  but animals as well,” founder and president of Humanities Club Solange Astudillo said. “I love working with children so I knew I wanted that to be a big part of this club.”

Humanities Club works with Olive Crest—a foster home for orphaned kids, Ronald McDonald’s House—which works with hospital bedridden children, and Downey Retirement Home. Already, the club is working with multiple organizations and benefitting the community.

This club provides membership with a ten dollar fee. Board members are looking for dedicated students who are willing to give their time when needed to help those that are less fortunate.

“Any type of organization that helps people is always something that I would be interested in personally,” club adviser Mr. Coe said.  “So I was happy to volunteer as the club advisor.”

The club started with a fundraiser which gave raffle tickets to members who referred friends to the club. The prize? A new puppy from SEACCA, the animal shelter.

The club is already getting recognition and membership is up to around thirty participants with and increase expected.

“There’s so many people that have the heart to help out their community,” vice president Yuri Martinez said.

The first club event took place on Dec. 14 when the Humanities Club volunteered at the Downey Retirement Home. The club will hold their next event by spending Valentine’s Day with foster children at the Olive Crest foster home. Meetings continue every Tuesday at 3:10 P.M.