Students Serve Community During Annual Day of Caring

Paige Little ’22 spent a recent Friday morning playing with children at West Haven Community House. She and several of her fellow students hosted a field day for the kids, who are enrolled in the Head Start program at the community house, ensuring they were having fun in a safe and welcoming environment.

"I think it’s good for the kids to interact with positive influences who are young adults," said Little, a biology major. "I’m glad we can be a positive influence. It’s good for them and for us."

The event was part of the University of New Haven’s third annual Day of Caring. The University’s Office of Residential Life partnered with the United Way of Greater New Haven, the Connecticut Food Bank, and West Haven Community House to host the event.

Nadine Walker ’22, who also volunteered at the West Haven Community House, says everyone had a good time – especially the children.

"They were excited to see us – and to see some of us dressed as princesses," said Walker, a criminal justice major. "I’m glad the University gave us the opportunity to do this."

"It’s important to remember why we serve students, and it’s important to do this by serving the community."Tyler Sansone ’20

After a kickoff ceremony at the University’s main campus, which West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi and New Haven Mayor Toni Harp attended, nearly 100 undergraduate and graduate students and professional staff members volunteered at three locations across the area.

Volunteers also worked in teams to sort and pack food at the Connecticut Food Bank’s Wallingford and Bridgeport locations.

"United Way is proud of our longstanding relationship with the University of New Haven and its passionate employees and students," said Maria Arnold, chief development officer of United Way of Greater New Haven. "Student-driven volunteer events like this remind us that our future is bright and in good hands."

The student and professional staff members returned to campus in August to prepare for the fall semester, and volunteering was a welcome opportunity to connect with the local community.

"It’s important to remember why we serve students, and it’s important to do this by serving the community," said Tyler Sansone ’20, a biology major. "It’s very humbling."