Offering a new hybrid format of both in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities for 2020, the Oct. 31 TCU Day of Service drew 410 participants and immeasurable goodwill.
“TCU Day of Service 2020 was a great success,” said Erin Wilson, associate director of community engagement in Student Development Services. “The student leaders were excited to host an event and lead their peers, and the student participants showed up early and were eager to make a difference. There was such a fantastic energy as students worked to complete a morning of service.”
The 2020 event’s economic impact on Fort Worth topped $10,000 based on the value of volunteer time, according to Independent Sector.
“Community Engagement Programming in Student Development Services is incredibly proud to have found a meaningful way to make TCU Day of Service happen safely in 2020,” Wilson said.
In-person volunteers — wearing masks and socially distancing — at the Dee J. Kelly Alumni & Visitors Center made animal toys for the local humane society and painted canvases with messages of hope that will be assembled into a large mural for students at S.S. Dillow Elementary School.
“I did all four sessions of painting a mural,” said Xitlalic Carrasco, a sophomore communication studies major. “I really enjoyed painting — it was a super fun and easy way to give back to the community!”
Stephanie Trevino, a sophomore biochemistry major, participated in both in-person projects.
“It was definitely a new experience doing service in a socially distant setting since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, but one I am glad I did,” she said. “Painting a piece of the mural that will be put together was fun — I hadn’t painted in a long time. I am excited to see how it comes out.”
Trevino also enjoyed making catnip knots. “I do not have any cats of my own, but I am happy with the fact that these knots will be provided to shelter cats who will hopefully have a home in the near future. It can be a very stressful time for them while in the shelter. But in the meantime, they can enjoy themselves with our catnip knot toys,” she said.
“I hope in time we can return to our previous service opportunities, but for the meantime I believe that our current setting is of great work,” Trevino added.
The wide variety of independent/virtual service projects included knitting hats for cancer patients, assembling animal toys, picking up trash, helping map local areas in preparation for natural disasters, making bags for the local food bank, recording audiobooks, transcribing for the Smithsonian Institute and writing letters to the elderly, active duty military and COVID-19 front-line responders.
“I did some of the virtual options since I’m in Portugal,” said Marina Magnant, a business major. “I had so much fun and [TCU Day of Service student leaders] Kelsey, Robert and Bryn made the whole experience super fun! It was wonderful serving and definitely made me feel closer to the community.”