Angela Wilson knows that it's better to give than receive.

"It makes me feel great to assist others. Volunteering makes a great difference in (other peoples') lives," said Angela, 17, a Silver Bluff High School senior.

Over Christmas break, Angela participated in several community service projects, including Operation Santa Claus, in which Silver Bluff students provided Christmas gifts for the young residents of Helping Hands, a children's home in Aiken.

Angela also is the secretary of Silver Bluff's award-winning Key Club, an organization dedicated to promoting positive direction and community involvement for teens. In her position with the club, she is able to influence other young people in her school to do their part in the community.

"I remind them of how blessed we are to have what we need and to be able to do what we want," she said. "We should treat others as we would want to be treated."

According to Mary Thomas, Silver Bluff's Key Club adviser, volunteering is one of the most important and rewarding things a young person can do.

"(Volunteering) builds character, teaches responsibility, and educates students on the needs of others," she said.