From Saturday, February 20, 2016, to Saturday, February 27, 2016, the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) hosted the weeklong event MLK Week Of Service. Many students participated in this event and helped those who are in need of a helping hand. A few of the different service projects that occurred during the week include the popular projects of Habitat for Humanity, Community Food Bank and Paper Crane Project.

Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, February 20, 2016: This service event is where volunteers help build a house for a family that is struggling financially. Student volunteers went to a Habitat for Humanity site in Morristown where a five-family house is being built. While there, the student volunteers were split into two groups. One group worked inside the house with installation, while the other group worked outside on siding. “I enjoyed the experience of Habitat for Humanity,” comments biology major Michael Gonzalez who is a freshman. He continues to say that he enjoyed his experience because “it shows just how much people need help. I believe it helps students learn new skills that could benefit themselves down the road.”

Atria Senior Living on Sunday, February 21, 2016: Located in Cranford, students were able to go to Atria Senior Living and interact with senior citizens by simply conversing with them, participating in recreational activities and arts and crafts.

A Day of Tribute on Monday, February 22, 2016: To help promote hope and peace around the world students had a chance to help create paper cranes, write on paper hands for Hands for Hope and colorful dreams. On this day students had the opportunity to encourage peace and hope throughout the world.

Mobile Food Pantry on Tuesday, February 23, 2016: Student volunteers were able to volunteer with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) Pediatric Mobile Food Pantry. There, student volunteers distributed food to those who are pregnant or have children and are financially unstable. 

Feed the Less Fortunate Wednesday, February 24, 2016: Students had a chance to help make sandwiches and decorate paper bags for those who are less fortunate. All sandwiches and the decorated paper bags were donated to the Saint John’s Food Pantry located in Elizabeth. “I always have fun serving on campus and I have always had food insecurities since I was young, so if anyone needs food I would like to help them,” comments junior biology major Megan Campesi. Students at the event had fun conversing with each other while making over 100 sandwiches for those in need.

Paper Crane Project and A Day of Tribute on Thursday, February 25, 2016: For the second occurrence of the event A Day of Tribute, students again helped promote hope and peace around the world by creating paper cranes, Hands for Hope and colorful dreams. On this day students had the opportunity to encourage peace and hope throughout the world. As for the event Paper Crane, students had an opportunity to help CLS create 1,000 paper cranes that will be donated to the Voices of September 11 organization. Making paper cranes will send a message of hope to bring peace to the world.

Community Food Bank on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, 2016: Volunteers help with a variety of projects that range from packing bags with snacks and drinks for children in need of food, sorting food and preparing bulk mailings to help spread the word about what the Community Food Bank does. The Community Food Bank of New Jersey, which is located in Hillside, helps with distributing food to food pantry’s across the state of New Jersey.

All students who participated did so because of choice, and because of their decision to serve, so many people will be able to get food for the month, or will be able to get a house in the near future. “I really wanted to give back,” comments Kailah Brown, who is a sophomore majoring in accounting. Brown gave a few hours of her time at the service project Feed the Less Fortunate and decorated paper bags. She continues to say, “this is my first service opportunity…and I wanted to do whatever I can to help.” Helping someone even by the means of making a sandwich can go a long way. Ronald Reagan once said that “we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Not everyone is lucky enough to have a comfortable bed to sleep in, so let’s be their helping hand.

If anyone was unable to participate in MLK Week of Service and would like to volunteer, visit the CLS page on Cougar Link and click on the “Events” tab. There one can find all upcoming service events. For more information about any upcoming service events, please contact CLS by email at serve@kean.edu or by phoning the CLS office at 908-737-5170.