Service Saturdays are for Helping the Community

On September 22, students from Viterbo University donated their time and energy to work with various community organizations in the La Crosse and surrounding areas.

Christian Gilman spent her Service Saturday at the American Legion, where she was part of one of two groups that were there to help the Legion clean and organize. Gilman was a part of the group that cleaned up the storage units and back pantry, along with mopping the floors. The other group at the location was working on the shed outside. When asked what made her want to donate her time, she said, “I’ve always liked volunteering, helping people makes me feel like myself, if that makes sense.”

Alyssa Nilssen spent her Service Saturday with Aptiv, which is an organization that works to provide resources and support for people with disabilities. The volunteers spent their time helping prepare food for the clients and doing string art with them.

“It was pretty much like social hour,” Nilssen explains. “It was good.”

Upon asking what made her want to volunteer, she explained, “I’ve always loved volunteering and I know how important it is to volunteer for people with disabilities, due to my own personal experiences.”

Therese Dehnert spent her Service Saturday with the Washburn Neighborhood Association. The group walked around Viterbo and circled out into the neighborhood, helping pick up litter. The volunteers then went to work on the paths at the community garden. Dehnert surely did not come back empty handed, for she returned to campus with some horseradish, onions, and a very small potato. These were vegetables that people had found in their own gardens but did not care for, so Dehnert picked them up and took them back with her.

“Maybe I’ll make a burger or something,” Denhert laughed. Upon asking her what made her want to volunteer her time, the sophomore said, “I did all of the Service Saturdays last year, and I really enjoyed it. I want to keep on doing it this year.”

Shelby Lundin and Kayla Miller both went to Wafer Food Pantry, helping serve 350 families by handing out food and their respect. Upon asking what made them want to volunteer, Lundin responded, “We just wanted to help out,” and Miller was in complete agreement.

Other organizations Viterbo students volunteered with were the African American Mutual Assistance Network, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, Enactus, and the FSPA. After a morning of hard work donating their time, the volunteers came back to campus for a lunch provided by the university.

Upcoming Events

October 13th—Make a Difference Day

November 17th—Viterbo Rings

December 1st

January 26th—Service with the Sisters

February 23rd

March 23rd

April 13th—President’s Day of Service