When the words summarizing Valwood's mission are used; Academics, Character, Service, the scope of these defining words may be underestimated.  Familiar stories of students achieving in each of these areas abound. However, service is one component not limited to Valwood students.

Several months ago a group of Valwood parents were discussing their empathy and appreciation for our Valwood family members serving in the Middle East.  Soon the talk turned to action as plans began to take shape for a tangible, if not palatable, service project aimed at expressing their appreciation.

The Valwood Parents Association formed the "Care Committee" for the purpose of organizing meals for  Valwood families with deployed family members.  Many of the recipients are Moms faced with the challenges of serving as a temporary single parent, running a household, and working full-time.

Various parent and faculty volunteers provide a meal a least once a week for these families.  Imagine coming home from a full day of work, facing the household duties alone, helping with homework alone, bath-time and bed-time and not having to give a thought to "what's for dinner?" Families who have been on the receiving end of the Care Committee's gifts have voiced great appreciation for this program.

Often the families providing the meals include their children as they deliver the meals reinforcing the principles of compassion, appreciation and generosity.  Valwood's students, faculty, staff and parents are often sincerely referred to as a "family."  The Care Committee is what family is all about.