The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Human Relations Commission and the Nonprofit Institute of the College of Southern Maryland, held a successful Volunteerism Day event on Saturday, Sept. 7 in the Dodge Performing Arts Center. Nearly 30 local nonprofits participated, providing students and the entire campus community an opportunity to learn about the missions of these organizations and how SMCM can contribute to their important work. Several organizations had over 20 students sign up to volunteer. Adrienne Purnell-Somerville, president of the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, shared that “it was a fantastic opportunity to recruit students as community volunteers. Volunteering has such a profound impact, not only on the lives of those receiving help but also on the volunteers themselves. I am looking forward to building a brighter future together, in partnership with the impressive students of St. Mary’s College.”
Kelsey Bush '94, community affairs liaison, chaired the organizational group that pulled the event together. “We are thrilled to have successfully organized our inaugural volunteerism event. This initiative is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the dedication of our students, volunteers, volunteer organizations and those who came together to pull this day off. Seeing so many individuals with a shared commitment to service is inspiring," said Bush. "This event marks the beginning of our ongoing efforts to engage and empower our community, and we look forward to many more opportunities to connect and make a meaningful impact.” He recognized the following individuals for helping to execute the event: from SMCM, Associate Professor Kathy Koch, Michael Dunn, Anthony Guzman, Gabriel Cannavo '25 and Kim Brown; from the Human Relations Commission, Kevin Hill '89, Renee Thomas and Cynthia Brown; and from the Nonprofit Institute, Cara Fogarty.
Participating organizations included Building Bridges Corporation, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, Circle of Angels Initiative, Chi Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Circles St. Mary’s County/HOPE, Greenwell Foundation, growingSTEMS, Historic Sotterley, Historic St. Mary’s City, Hospice of St. Mary’s, Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, Literacy Council of St. Mary’s, Patuxent Habitat for Humanity, Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, PFLAG of Southern Maryland, Relay for Life, Second District VFD & Rescue Squad Auxiliary, Sleep in Heavenly Peace St. Mary’s Chapter, St. Mary’s County Public School Community Schools, St. Mary’s Community Development Corporation, St. Mary’s County Democrats, St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, St. Mary’s County NAACP, St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D), Three Oaks Center and Wrapping Arms ‘Round Many (WARM).
If you missed the event and would like to find out more, stop by the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement in Daughtery-Palmer Commons Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. You may also reach out to the organizations directly for more information about volunteer opportunities.
Contact:
Caroline King, Director of Community Outreach & Engagement
240-895-5017
clking@smcm.edu
