St. Scholastica volunteers participate in 23rd annual Community Day

The College hosted its 23rd annual Community Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5. During this day of service, classes were canceled [for undergraduate students] so that students, faculty and staff could spend time giving back to the Twin Ports community.

Mary Anderson, director of career services and Jessica Ellingson, director of campus ministry, coordinated the volunteer opportunities and enlisted members of the St. Scholastica community to participate.

Participants signed up for a Duluth-based service project, planned a service project with their team or department, or did a service project independently from wherever they were.

First-year students participated in a volunteer activity with their first-year seminar classes called Dignitas. These projects included trail and garden clean up, spending time with seniors, participating in QPR Training (suicide prevention training) and more.

Upper-class students, faculty and staff participated by signing up for a community site, volunteering with their club or athletic team, or selecting individual activities. These volunteers made an impact by helping a neighbor, donating blood, writing letters to residents in nursing homes or VA hospitals, or sending letters and notes of gratitude.

“This year, approximately 850 people participated in a group event or activity or through individual services to the community,” said Ellingson. “Participants all share common goals of service to the community, making a difference in the lives of others and living out our Benedictine values of community and stewardship.”