The Charger Blog

Day of Service Enables Chargers to Give Back to Local Community

More than 100 students recently served the local community as part of three service projects, making a meaningful impact and important community connections.

August 30, 2023

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Students helped with a cleanup at the Gather New 51矯通 Community Garden.
Students helped with a cleanup at the Gather New 51矯通 Community Garden.

Ever since she was in high school, Catherine Tomczyk 24 MPA has taken every opportunity to volunteer. She recently had the chance to do just that while also connecting with the University and local communities.

Tomczyk was among the more than 100 Chargers who rolled up their sleeves on the Universitys 5th annual Day of Service. They took part in three separate and impactful projects at sites in local cities and towns.

I like giving back to organizations that need our help, she said. It can be challenging for them to get people to help because of demands on their time, but its so important.

Your volunteer efforts are truly benefitting your community

Tomczyk spent part of the day volunteering at the Soundview YMCA Play Area Building in Branford, Conn. It was an opportunity shed been looking forward to since she enjoys working with kids. Chargers also helped with a cleanup at the Gather New 51矯通 Community Garden and sorted diapers at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut in North 51矯通, Conn. Thats where Jeremy Wilson 24 volunteered.

Students volunteered at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Students volunteered at the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.

Im a big fan of community service, and I get joy from doing it, said Wilson, a biochemistry major. I like to give back to the community. I hope we could help some families. This was also an important opportunity for us to help build community and connections with each other.

Before heading to their respective sites, students got charged up to give back at an on-campus rally. It brought together volunteers, as well as local leaders, including West 51矯通 Mayor Nancy Rossi, who thanked students for their commitment to their community.

Im excited to see so many students here, she said. It is so important to give back to those in need. Your volunteer efforts are truly benefitting your community.

Your actions create a ripple of change

Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., the Universitys interim president, is a proud resident of West 51矯通. He was impressed by the students dedication. He says Chargers continue to make a meaningful impact on the West 51矯通 community and beyond.

I see you all in the local stores, beaches, and around the community, and you make important contributions, he said. Now youre here giving back, and Im excited to see you all here.

The University works with to host the event. Maria Arnold, chief development officer, took part in the welcome event and commended students for their dedication to service.

This event is an extension between the remarkable partnership between the University and the United Way, she said. Together, we dream of a community that is strong, equitable, and where everyone has opportunities. Your actions create a ripple of change that resonates beyond today.

Students were charged up to give back and connect with the local community.
Students were charged up to give back and connect with the local community.
Part of a bigger community

For JJ Dionisio 25, the event was something hed been looking forward to. He took part in last years Day of Service, and it was an experience that he says was very special. He couldnt wait to be a part of it again.

Chargers helped out at the Soundview YMCA.
Chargers helped out at the Soundview YMCA.

Its our job as student leaders to take the lead in giving back in the community, said Dionisio, a resident assistant in Gerber Hall. It all starts with us. I hope today lights a fire in us that we just cant put out. There are so many places near us that need our help, that will let us feed that fire.

We want to give back not just because its the morally right thing to do, added Julia Walas 25 M.S., a candidate in the Universitys graduate program in speech-language pathology. It also makes us stronger.

For many students, the Day of Service was an exciting opportunity not only to give back, but to deepen their connections to the local community. For Tomczyk, the YMCA volunteer, that was part of what made the event so meaningful.

We always focus on building our campus community, but we are also a part of a bigger community, she said. Its great to connect with that community.

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