Day of Giving puts new spin on King holiday
There was no school or work for many people on Monday, but students and community members who came to Benedictine University in Lisle used their extra time in a spirit of service.
It was the first time the university held a Day of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and nearly 400 people came to help with numerous causes, from donating blood or giving their hair to Locks of Love to writing valentines for veterans or letters to send to our troops.
Benedictine students, many of whom helped run the events along with area students of all ages, really got “a day on, instead of a day off,” said Joan Henehan, student development coordinator.
“It’s been really a great day,” Henehan said. “It’s good to see how people turn out and are willing to help our neighbors.”
The service activities spilled from the classrooms into the hallways of Scholl Hall, the Benedictine academic building where the day’s activities were held.
Other events included making fleece blankets for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Advocate Hospice, making Build a Bears for the Cancer Center/Pediatric Unit, and place mats for the DuPage Convalescent Center.
Volunteers also put together “birthday bags” for children whose families are served by area food pantries. The bags contain a cake mix and a birthday present.
Earlier in the day, the school played host to its 16th annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, but officials decided to also include service projects in an effort to help others, Henehan said.
“(We asked), ‘What can we bring on our campus to make a difference in DuPage County and allow students and community members to give back?’” she said.
The school partnered with Giving DuPage, a volunteer group, for the service activities. Kathy Blair, Giving DuPage executive director, said the group organizes a Day of Service every Sept. 11 with projects out in the community, but Monday was the first time it was involved in several service opportunities all under one roof.
She said organizers are always trying to help the community see ways to assist others.
“Our mission is tied to volunteerism. We think it’s a great fit to work with Benedictine,” Blair said. “Working with youth is very exciting. They understand the value of giving back. To see this ... it’s exciting to see youth in action.”