Monroe University Students, Faculty, and Staff Lend a Helping Hand to Neighboring Communities

By Monroe University Oct 22, 2019

NEW ROCHELLE, NY, October 22, 2019 – Monroe University, a national leader in educating urban and international students, held its annual fall Community Service Weekend last Friday and Saturday, with projects completed throughout the Bronx and Westchester County.

The Community Service Weekend is a Fall semester tradition that encourages those who study, teach, and work at Monroe to give back to neighboring communities by volunteering their time and talents to others. Approximately 200 members of the University community volunteered their time to help people and organizations throughout the greater New Rochelle and Bronx areas, home to the University’s two New York campuses.

Twelve events were held over the weekend. In addition to assisting at senior centers and working with children in organized activities, such as reading, art projects, and playtime games, Monroe’s volunteers also contributed to the work of Operation Gratitude, a national organization that spreads cheer to veterans and those on active duty by organizing care package deliveries and letter- and greeting card-writing campaigns.

Other activities included Hurricane Dorian relief assistance, park restoration work, creating toys for cats and dogs in local shelters, and helping with a community clothing bank.

“The Honors Program at Monroe looks forward every year to organizing the Fall Community Service Weekend and helping our students and employees show their gratitude to our neighbors for their wonderful support of the University,” said Professor Kathryn MacDonald, coordinator of the Honors Program at Monroe University.

This year’s scheduled Community Service Weekend events included:

Friday, Oct. 18:

  • Writing thank you letters and cards for veterans and active duty service members
  • Hiking trail clean-up at Ridge Road Park
  • Visiting with seniors at the Wartburg Adult Day Care Program and Sutton Park Nursing Home
  • Meals-to-go preparation for Sacred Heart Food for the Hungry Soup Kitchen
  • Sorting donations for the University’s Hurricane Dorian Relief initiative

Saturday, Oct. 19:

  • Organize clothing donations at The Sharing Shelf
  • Visiting with seniors at Sutton Park Nursing Home
  • Creating play toys for cats and dogs in local shelters
  • Lead art projects and playtime activities for children at a residence for special needs children operated by The Jewish Board

Monroe University will host two more community service events this year. Local charitable organizations interested in hosting future Monroe University community service volunteers may contact Kathryn MacDonald at kmacdonald@monroecollege.edu.

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