For senior Nicole Zaccack, standing outside in the frigid cold on a Saturday morning is all part of the job.  She’s ringing a bell and calling, “Donate to the Salvation Army!” in front of the Giant grocery store in McLean.  This year, the bell-ringing is just one of the many events that Zaccack is coordinating as president of the Interact Club.

Zaccack joined Interact Club her freshman year, and became president two years later as a junior. “I have always been interested in community service,” she said. “I want to help those less fortunate than me.”

Since becoming president, Zaccack notes that the Interact Club has focused its attention on aiding the direct area—which makes it different from other organizations, such as the Key Club or National Honor Society, whose projects are sometimes done on a broader scale.  Because of this, Interact participates in local projects, such as the McLean Chocolate Festival and Stop Hunger Now, to help members connect with their communities.

When planning events, Zaccack and her fellow Interact officers first sit down and examine their calendar to decide which dates to hold service projects on.  They then look at other successful projects that have been done in the past to determine how to best execute their current developments.  “We also love to help organizations that our members feel passionate about,” she said.

Zaccack notes that her most rewarding project so far was a car wash last year that benefited the Langley MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk team. The MS Walk was a very personal event because a former member—Joseph Larounis—had a family member diagnosed with MS.  The club decided to hold the car wash to raise additional funds, and in the weeks leading up to the event, Zaccack scrambled to raise support.  After creating Facebook notifications, sending out mass e-mails, hanging flyers and making posters, the efforts proved worthwhile as the event raised a staggering $2,500.

In the future, Zaccack plans to stay involved in her dedication to community service.  She plans to join other service organizations while in college, and hopes to eventually become part of the Rotary Club.  A global organization, the Rotary Club is a group of successful entrepreneurs who want to give back to their communities.  “I would definitely love to continue my work,” she said.