Nearly 1,000 Quincy University students, faculty, coaches and staff joined together for the 11th annual Day of Service and Food Drive. In addition to collecting food donations for local food pantries, their volunteer work generated significant economic value.
Forty-eight service groups served 38 different organizations, completing cleaning, organizing, maintenance and yard work for four hours. The Independent Sector, a national non-profit membership organization, values Illinois volunteers at $35.73 per hour.
“The Day of Service reflects our Franciscan heritage by putting faith into action through service to others,” said Fr. John Doctor, OFM, vice president for mission and ministry. “Franciscan values call us to recognize the dignity of every person, care for our communities and respond to needs with compassion. By serving alongside faculty and staff, students experience firsthand the importance of humility, stewardship and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
The impact of the event extends beyond a single day, helping students build a lifelong commitment to service.
“We want students to recognize needs within their communities and feel empowered to step in and help when they have the opportunity,” said Kristen Liesen, director of experiential learning. “Service is not always about large-scale projects; often, the most meaningful impact comes from simply seeing a need and taking action.”
In conjunction with the service projects, QU hosted a community food drive. Students were posted at Hy-Vee, Niemanns, Save-A-lot and Walmart collecting non-perishable items for Horizons, Open Hands Pantry, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and QU’s St. Clare’s Pantry.
“We chose to make our annual food drive a priority because we see the need every day. We hear our community partners frequently talk about challenges keeping pantry shelves stocked, and our students who volunteer in local pantries see how many individuals and families depend on those resources,” said Liesen. “We also know that some of our own students face difficult circumstances and may need assistance from time to time. This is an opportunity for the QU community to come together and help meet a very real and immediate need.”
Collected food items were distributed directly to the pantries following the event to assist local families ahead of the upcoming season. Final impact numbers will be posted on Quincy University’s Facebook page on Thursday.
Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or [email protected]. Quincy University. Success by Design.