Across the United States, Community College Initiative (CCI) Program participants embarked on volunteering adventures in celebration of International Volunteer Day. In the spirit of shared experiences and meaningful contributions, the CCI participants exemplified the true essence of International Volunteer Day, proving that warmth can be spread not only through blankets but also through acts of kindness and service.
To commemorate this day, the Kirkwood cohort learned how to make no-sew fleece blankets for Project Linus, a non-profit that collects blankets to be donated to children and youth battling severe illness or teenagers in the foster care system. The participants worked together in small groups to measure squares and strips, cut fringe, and tie the fringe pieces to create the blankets. Agnes Tahrin (Indonesia), Dalia Metwally (Egypt), and Sihle Nyatama (South Africa) were all surprised at how easy the project was and plan on collecting materials to make additional blankets.
The Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale cohort visited Winter Wonderland at Burke Lake for International Volunteer Day. The Fairfax Park Authority coordinated the event, and students helped with Santa’s workshop, assisting naturalists at the Winter Animals table, coordinating candle making, and distributing s’mores and hot drinks. In addition, NOVA students Diego Perez Diaz (Dominican Republic), Ntokozo Mbhekiswayo (South Africa), Lungile Shezi (South Africa), Mariia Surnyk (Ukraine), Mansi Lodhi (India) and Syeda Juthi (Bangladesh) volunteered at the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House on November 30th, assisting guests and helping to coordinate the event. The president and first lady were in attendance. Feeling the holiday spirit, Chelsea Somasundaram (India) volunteered at the Christmas Market at the Heurich House Museum in Washington, D.C.
Northern Virginia Community College Participants Volunteered at the National Christmas Tree Lighting
Meanwhile, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College cohort engaged in creating heartfelt holiday cards for a local medical facility, while the College of DuPage visited Feed My Starving Children, assisting with food packing and distribution. Mesa Community College volunteered in the college’s Arboretum on campus, and the Northampton Community College cohort participated in a ski film fundraiser that helped pay for NCC’s international student organization’s trip to Philadelphia.
College of DuPage visited Feed My Starving Children for International Volunteer Day
Lastly, The Fox Valley Technical College cohort rounded off the series of activities by participating in Feeding America, contributing to food sorting on December 15th. Each group’s unique contribution echoed the spirit of International Volunteer Day, emphasizing the power of collective action and the positive impact individuals can make when they come together to serve their communities.
Written by Holly Calhoun, Alumni Relations and Communications Coordinator