Week of Service Offers Opportunities to Serve 

Published: 04/27/2022

Students, faculty, and staff came together to volunteer their time for Week of Service, April 3-9, hosted by the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Program. Week of Service exemplifies SCC’s commitment to serving the local area by focusing on student success and lifelong learning. 

Week of Service was first introduced in Fall 2020 as an alternative to Day of Service, which had been running each semester since fall 2015.

“Because the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated social distancing and low-to-no-contact and virtual activities, I wanted a way for SCC students, faculty, and staff to still serve their communities and support social causes. Even though we are transitioning back to larger on-campus gatherings, the Week of Service has been such a success that I plan to keep it going in addition to hosting more in-person group community service activities next year,” said Bryonie Carter, associate professor of English and chair, Service-Learning & Civic Engagement Program.
 
Sending cards to hospitalized kids was one of the options for students to volunteer remotely. Laura Lenau, who is a SCC graphic design student, president of Alpha Xi Chi (Phi Theta Kappa), and plans to graduate this May, sent cards to kids in the hospital while staying virtual. 
 
“I've unexpectedly been restricted on how much time I can spend participating in the Week of Service, so I looked to the virtual options and found the task of making cards for hospitalized kids,” said Lenau. “I appreciate SCC for giving us a wide variety of opportunities like these to serve our community every year. It certainly makes my heart happy to know I'm doing some good in this world!”

Dr. Kavalier, members of Student Government Association, and members of Board of Trustees, helped the Dardenne Creek Campus Agriculture program with their new project.
 
“It’s really important to give back to the community. I get to work on the Freight Farm and it’s an awesome, creative idea that’s new here at SCC. It’s important because we’re helping the future and what is to come (at SCC),” said Emily Jesse, vice president of Student Government Association.

SCC biology student Alicia Lopez volunteered at the Crisis Nursery Wentzville. Lopez spent time with kids and assisted staff with their needs. 
 
“Volunteering at the Crisis Nursery was perfect for me because I was able to spend time with children who need someone to talk to or play with during what could be a very difficult time in their young lives. Being able to see them smile and laugh was very rewarding because I knew that my presence made a difference,” said Lopez.

Additionally, according to Lopez, SCC stands out because the opportunities Week of Service offers to the students, and the community. 
 
“We are offered many events that give us the opportunity to engage within the community and become a well-rounded student. SCC’s efforts help students find their place within the community, help them succeed in their courses, and help them to be prepared for future endeavors,” Lopez said.

For more information about Week of Service or Service Learning, contact Bryonie Carter, at 636-922-8266 or bcarter@stchas.edu.