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This Thanksgiving season, students reflected on what they are thankful for while paying it forward, working on projects to enrich the University and local communities.

November 25, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Lauren Molfetta ’22, a forensic science major, recently sat at a table in the lobby of Bartels Hall, collecting donations of “fun” band-aids to donate to a local children’s hospital. Students hoped the band-aids would be more than simply first aid for the kids who would receive them.

“Getting a fun band-aid could brighten a kid’s day,” she said. “It feels good to help people, whether or not it is someone you know personally.”

The band-aid drive was part of a Week of Service that students recently took part in, working on projects that, they hoped, would bring a smile to someone’s face. They also painted rocks with notes of inspiration to be left around campus to encourage their classmates, as well as suncatchers to be donated to a local nursing home.

"There are lots of people who are less fortunate than we are, and we should all take time to give back. Something that may seem small to us could mean a lot to someone else."Meghan Mammola ’19, ’21 M.S.

Roland Galvez ’19, a recent graduate who is now interning in the University’s Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation (CSELO), helped coordinate the week’s events.

"I have seen amazing community service events on campus that enable students to serve the community while interacting with other students,” said Galvez, who earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. “I especially enjoyed ‘Peanut Butter Jelly Time,’ an event at which students made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that were donated to local homeless shelters."

Students also endeavored to brighten mealtime for local seniors. Meghan Mammola ’19, ’21 M.S. was among those who decorated placemats for Meals on Wheels that will accompany meals delivered to local senior citizens.

“It is important that we all realize how fortunate we are,” said Mammola, a candidate in the University’s master’s degree program in cybersecurity. “There are lots of people who are less fortunate than we are, and we should all take time to give back. Something that may seem small to us could mean a lot to someone else.”