On Tues. Sept. 23, over 900 students, faculty and staff participated with 28 different organizations for CONCORDIAserves (CU serves) throughout Orange County.

Riley Finch, a Psychology major and women’s lacrosse player, volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank. Finch said, “It showed me how involved Orange County is with one another and having each other’s back through all seasons.”

Finch described the experience as “a blessing to serve, doing God’s work,” and shared a lesson she hopes others take away, “Do it because you want to, not because you need to.”

Finch also reflected on how CU Serves builds community. It “shows that no matter what background you come from, we are all human and all the same. Growing together when things are tough creates community,” she said.

Hunter Philbeck, a Sports Business major and men’s lacrosse player, worked on a nearby farm for Second Harvest Food Bank. Philbeck and his team “picked weeds, zucchini and eggplants for about two acres of the farmland.”

Philbeck said, “This experience has changed how I see the community because it showed me how much work goes into providing food for people in need,” and added, “Even small efforts, like pulling weeds or harvesting vegetables, can make a big difference in someone’s life.”

Philbeck explained how CU Serves connects the university and local community, “CU Serves helps build a sense of community by connecting students with local organizations, which strengthens the bond between the university and the people living nearby.”

Cole Wachter, a Kinesiology major and men’s volleyball player, helped pack at the OC Food Bank. Wachter said, “This experience put into perspective how involved this system is. It takes a lot to package each individual box that will help just one person, so the fact that they are able to help so many people speaks to how hard they work.”

Wachter said, “I felt a sense of pride knowing that what I was doing was helping someone out, and the fact that I got to share this experience with my teammates made it special for me.” He described how CU Serves builds community within the university: “We served with beach volleyball, and it was cool to share the experience of giving back with them. It also helps bring the local community together by providing a good example of what giving back and serving means and how it can positively impact others.”

All three students agreed that volunteering with CU Serves has influenced their future goals. Finch said, “Definitely to volunteer more.” Philbeck shared, “Volunteering has influenced my goals by reminding me that I want to have a career where I can still make time to serve my community.” Wachter added, “Volunteering is something that I think I will do more often, even if it’s as simple as helping coach volleyball at my high school every once in a while.”

All three responded passionately when asked if they recommended CU Serves to others. Finch said, “1000% would recommend! Because of the boost of sense of purpose I feel, to know I’m making an impact from my efforts makes me want to try harder and do more.”

Philbeck said, “I would recommend volunteering here to others because it’s a hands-on way to make an impact, and it’s also a rewarding experience that builds connections and perspective.”

Wachter added, “I think that CU serves has a good variety of different ways people can serve and impact the community that all provide good opportunities for lessons learned and a chance to give back.”

CU Serves Day is more than volunteering; it’s about building community relationships, personal growth and making a difference.

 

Tags: Concordia Serves, Lacrosse, service project, community

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About Kayla Cimarusti

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