By Katelyn Snyder
Contributor
A total of 76 Seton Hill University (SHU) students gathered to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in service on February 5. Students visited seven locations in the Greensburg area during the “Take the Day On” event.
Students involved in “Take the Day On” included volunteers, resident assistant applicants and, for the first time, LECOM at SHU students. After a brief breakfast and opening remarks encouraging students to reflect upon SHU’s mission statement as they worked, students were bussed to the various locations and volunteered from 8:00 a.m. until noon.
“I went around to all of the sites and was very pleased with what I saw. All the students seemed to be having a good time helping out,” said Maureen O’Brien, head of Campus Ministry.
“Take the Day On” has been part of SHU’s celebration of the life and legacy of King for 14 years. The event is planned near King’s birthday every year, although this year’s event was later than usual due to winter break.
“Both [King and Elizabeth Ann Seton] were dedicated to social justice, serving the poor and speaking out for those who don’t have a voice,” said O’Brien. “It seems natural for SHU to take to heart the words of King and follow a legacy to honor him.”
Locations for “Take the Day On” were Caritas Christi, Christian Layman Store, Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry, St. Emma’s Monastery, St. Vincent de Paul Store, Welcome Home Shelter and the Greater Parkview Church. Students participated in various tasks including cleaning, handing out food and playing with children.
“It was really nice to lend a helping hand to those who are going through rough times in their lives,” said junior Jaclyn Genes who volunteered at the Welcome Home Shelter.
“I really enjoyed meeting and working with the people I worked with. I felt very good about volunteering at the Our Lady of Grace Food Bank,” said junior Chloe Sparr. “It was really nice to know that most of the people I met were volunteering there the first Saturday of every month. They were very kind and really made the experience fun.”
Several SHU faculty and administrators also volunteered for “Take the Day On.”
“I think it is very good to go to a food pantry where you meet not only volunteers but the people who come to get the food. It is in keeping with our mission and it is very important to pray and serve the less fortunate,” said Lois Sculco, vice president of missions and student life.