Students line up to improve the community

Dozens of students took the opportunity to meet with representatives of local community service organizations Wednesday at an event that will help Costa Mesa High School students fulfill their community service requirements.

Five nonprofits set up tables during the school’s lunch period and offered information, sign-up sheets, candy and even a couple animals to pet as part of their efforts to recruit volunteers.

“It’s fun to help out. We want to make our generation better,” freshman Maurissa Moet said.

“It feels good to help people,” said sophomore Mailee Mangarrez, who should have no problem fulfilling her 40 hours of community service by senior year because she is already active in charities. “My purpose in life is to help people.”

“I think it makes students stop and think,” said Ann Brown, Costa Mesa High School’s service learning specialist. “They don’t stop at 40 (hours).”