Nearly 200 Volunteers Participate in Fall Service Projects at Mount Union
December 17, 2020ALLIANCE, Ohio — The COVID-19 pandemic made traditional volunteering through the University of Mount Union’s Regula Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement undoubtedly difficult. Yet, 196 individuals participated in at least one of seven unique community service initiatives during the University’s fall 2020 semester.
Done in a safe and physically distanced manner, with some projects being “take-and-make,” more than 200 cards and 71 wreaths were made for residents of area assisted living facilities and transitional housing by 21 and 52 volunteers, respectively.
Take-and-make blanket kits were also available, with 61 volunteers creating 108 blankets that were donated to the Salvation Army of Alliance, Alliance for Children and Families, Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter and the Stark County Humane Society.
There were still opportunities for volunteers to get safely involved within the community. More than 40 volunteers participated in a clean-up of the Iron Horse Trail, restoration of the fencing at the Alliance Dog Park and painted the exterior of the new Habitat for Humanity headquarters and Restore in Alliance.
The annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods was also a record-setting event for the Regula Center, with more than 4,600 pounds of food collected from community members by 62 volunteers. The service work in the fall concluded with 20 volunteers wrapping more than 500 books and 500 treat bags for Christmas in the Park.
Additionally, contributions from a host of faculty, staff, students and friends of Mount Union allowed necessities and gifts to be purchased for 12 Alliance families living in transitional housing at Alliance for Children and Families, which includes 52 children. This initiative also provided for 20 additional children through the Salvation Army of Alliance’s Angel Tree tags and many items on the wish list at the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter.
“In a year unlike any other it was important that institutions find ways to engage with students and continue community partnerships,” said Abby Schroder, director of the Regula Center. “At Mount Union, we found ways to do so that included reimagining traditional service projects, offering varying formats and staying in communication with area non-profits. Our students, faculty, staff, and community partners were dedicated throughout the semester and made an in which they should be proud.”
Learn more about the Regula Center by visiting mountunion.edu/regula-center.
Students participate in blanket making in a physically distanced manner.
Students paint the outside of the new Habitat for Humanity in Alliance.
The annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods was also a record-setting event for the Regula Center, with more than 4,600 pounds of food collected from community members by 62 volunteers. The service work in the fall concluded with 20 volunteers wrapping more than 500 books and 500 treat bags for Christmas in the Park.
Additionally, contributions from a host of faculty, staff, students and friends of Mount Union allowed necessities and gifts to be purchased for 12 Alliance families living in transitional housing at Alliance for Children and Families, which includes 52 children. This initiative also provided for 20 additional children through the Salvation Army of Alliance’s Angel Tree tags and many items on the wish list at the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter.
“In a year unlike any other it was important that institutions find ways to engage with students and continue community partnerships,” said Abby Schroder, director of the Regula Center. “At Mount Union, we found ways to do so that included reimagining traditional service projects, offering varying formats and staying in communication with area non-profits. Our students, faculty, staff, and community partners were dedicated throughout the semester and made an in which they should be proud.”