Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The elementary students of the Dubois School had their “High School Life” Day with Springfield’s Sacred Heart-Griffin School. Seniors volunteered to give the kids a look into their school day.

“This is so important. I don’t even know how to describe it,” said Ella Shin, SHG Senior. “I had no idea when I started volunteering here that. It would turn into such a pivotal thing for me, but I’m so glad I did.

“This program is all about providing a place of comfort and support for kids who really need. These kids are going through some difficult situations sometimes, so to provide this place where they know they’re supported and there are people who care so much about them and their futures is really important.”

Shin suggests others volunteer for the YMCA RYse Program in Springfield.

It’s inspiring for the seniors who volunteer.

“I’ve been over there many times when the kids come in and they just run to them. They know them. They’re so excited to see them. So they developed this really great bond with the kids. So they’re great role models,” said Lou Bart, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement, YMCA of Springfield.