Kent State alumni participate in events for National Volunteer Week
(From left) Karen Schofield, class of 1976, Julie Dietz, class of 1976 and 1979, George Dietz, class of 1980, and son Michael Dietz take a moment to chat at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Kent on Saturday. The Alumni Association encouraged Kent State alumni across the nation to give back to the community by donating their time during the third annual National Day of Service. Photo by Valerie Brown.
The Alumni Association sponsored its third annual National Alumni Day of Service this weekend to encourage Kent State alumni across the country to make a difference in their communities.
At one of 12 work sites 109 people volunteered Saturday as part of the Alumni Association’s yearly effort to promote National Volunteer Week , which was April 10 – 16.
Lisa Mascellino, assistant director of alumni relations, said the total volunteer hours from Saturday will be compiled Monday or Tuesday. Last year, 140 alumni logged more than 600 hours of community service.
“I believe that Kent State alumni are extremely generous with donating their time and are very willing to help,” Mascellino said. “[The events] allow alumni to get together on behalf of Kent State and give back to their communities all on the same day.”
Charities that worked with the Alumni Association this year ranged from Habitat for Humanity in Kent to a beach cleanup in Southern California.
“I feel that I get so much more out of the experience than the time I give. It’s important for the community to see that we value and support them as much as they value and support us.”
Haven of Rest, a faith-based organization in Akron that helps feed, clothe and shelter homeless and needy people, has been a part of the National Alumni Day of Service for three years. Coordinator Jan Pluck said her experience with Kent State volunteers has always been positive. She said the 12 Kent State alumni who participated this year worked hard and were cooperative.
“We always look forward to the alumni coming in,” Pluck said. “We’re just very appreciative of everything that Kent State does. They’ve done a number of canned food drives for us, so they’ve just been a real blessing to the ministry.”
Sylvia Dillard Johnson, a 1999 graduate, has volunteered at Haven of Rest the past two years and did so again Saturday.
“I’ve enjoyed volunteering with fellow alumni in making a difference for this organization,” Johnson said. “I feel that I get so much more out of the experience than the time I give. It’s important for the community to see that we value and support them as much as they value and support us.”
Mascellino said the Day of Serviceis popular with alumni because it lets them choose a charity that “holds a special meaning” to them while staying connected to the university. The large need for volunteers, coupled with Kent State alumni’s willingness to give, has helped the event grow over time.
Contact Mike Crissman at [email protected].