On Wednesday, more than 200 students, faculty, and staff gathered on the Lakeside Patio to build care packages for deployed troops. The event was part of Homecoming Week’s annual Hurricanes Help the Hometown day of service. Previously, the event took place at various locations across South Florida. This year, Hurricanes Help the Hometown event co-chairs, senior Will LaRossa and junior Sierra Mathis, decided to relocate the event on campus.
“It’s been a smooth transition, and really given us the opportunity to bring more visibility to our cause on campus. We had a great turnout today; even more than we expected,” LaRossa commented.
The service day partnered with Troopster, an organization that sponsors care packages for deployed troops. Derek Auguste, a veteran student and president of the Veterans Student Organization, assisted La Rossa and Mathis is coordinating the effort.
“When the Homecoming committee reached out to me, I was blown away at the support and attention, and the care that is given to our veteran community on campus is remarkable,” Auguste said.
More than 300 boxes of food and supplies were prepared, accompanied by messages of support from members of the University community.
View a gallery of photos below.
