Some students wrote thank you cards to veterans, or health care workers who have been particularly needed in the past few years. Others made friendship bracelets for children whose parents are battling cancer or assembled small care packages for the homeless.
These were just some of the activities that students volunteered to accomplish during the Hurricanes Help the Hometown event on Wednesday, which is part of the University of Miami’s 2023 Alumni Weekend and Homecoming festivities. Tables and tents dotted the Lakeside Patio during the early afternoon, and this year’s event included 24 student organizations who devoted their time and energy toward a different service project, said Alexis Owens, co-chair of the event.
Julia Hildreth, a first-year student who just joined the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), said their tent caught her eye as she was walking away from her chemistry class. Moments later, Hildreth began working on an inspirational mini painting for people with spinal cord injuries who visit the Coconut Grove nonprofit, Shake a Leg.
“It’s nice to be able to do something for people in need, that is also a fun, easy destress activity from assignments and tests,” she said.
Stephan Rasco, a senior studying economics and political science, spent time catching up with friends and filling a backpack with soap, a comb, tissues, and other hygiene necessities for the homeless.
“Homecoming is a time for alumni and students to come to campus and connect, so it’s a perfect time for community service because we all came here to get educated and get ahead in life, so why not make that possible for others too?” he asked.
Owens said that she and Hurricanes Help the Hometown co-chair Esther Cusnir noticed a few ways to improve the layout of the event last fall. They decided to spread out the different organizations offering service projects this year, so more students could participate. Dozens of Hurricanes who passed by saw the many different opportunities and decided to help out. Each student who completed four service projects received a $5 voucher to use at the food trucks that will be on campus during the Hurricane Howl Block Party Friday night.
“The turnout has been amazing and it’s so nice to see so many students here getting involved and participating in service,” Owens added.
