Young Leaders Making a Lasting Impact
At House of Mercy, we are fortunate to have a community of individuals who go above and beyond to serve those in need. Among them is Arnav Bhalla, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, whose dedication to service has made a profound impact. Arnav recently took on an ambitious 100-hour service project to support our 2024 Back to School Program, focusing on collecting backpacks and shoes for teens—an often-overlooked need in school supply drives.
His hard work and commitment did not go unnoticed. At our recent volunteer appreciation event, we were honored to present Arnav with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a prestigious recognition awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. This is a rare and distinguished honor, given only to select volunteers across the nation who exemplify the highest standards of service and dedication.
A Student’s Dedication to Helping Others
For Arnav, this project was more than just collecting donations—it was about making a real difference for students his own age who face challenges beyond their control. Reflecting on his experience, he shared:
“Volunteering with House of Mercy has shown me the power of small actions in making a big difference. Organizing the back-to-school fundraiser not only provided essential supplies for high school students in need but also reinforced the importance of community-driven service. I hope other students are inspired to find ways to contribute and create meaningful change.”
—Arnav Bhalla
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Arnav’s story is an incredible reminder that anyone can take action to support their community. His determination, leadership, and generosity helped ensure that teens from families in need have the supplies and confidence to start the school year on the right foot.
Beyond Volunteering: Finding Creative Ways to Give Back
Arnav’s initiative shows that helping others isn’t limited to traditional volunteering—there are countless ways to make a difference. Whether it’s organizing a donation drive, fundraising for a cause, or using personal skills to benefit a nonprofit, every effort counts.
At House of Mercy, we rely on both volunteers and creative community support to sustain our programs. People like Arnav remind us that small actions lead to big change when we work together.
Join the Movement: Be the Change
Inspired by Arnav’s story? There’s a place for you in our mission to serve those in need. Whether you’re a student looking for a meaningful project, a business interested in partnering, or an individual eager to lend a helping hand, there are so many ways to get involved.
➡️ Join our dedicated volunteers today! Learn how you can help by visiting:
https://houseofmercyva.org/volunteer/
Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community—one act of service at a time.