Hi Ami, and thank you for your questions. To answer them:

1. The admissions committee isn't looking to check a box on "community service", they're looking for evidence that an applicant has a broader connection with the world than just work, multiple facets to their personality, and a sense of engagement with the world. Demonstrating that is often done through community service, but I have seen applicants be successful discussing personal stories about helping family members, for example.

2. Yes, do put your volunteer work on your resume, although depending on the extent of it and results it may fit better under Interests or Personal rather than under Experience.

3. It sounds like you took a break in order to gain skills that are directly relevant to your career, or at least to rounding out your experience. As long as you are clear about the reasons for the break and what you've learned from it, I can't see how that will be viewed neatively.

Good luck.