When most college students hear "spring break" they think about a much needed reprieve from their coursework, a chance to let loose on a dream vacation, or an opportunity to spend more time with their friends and family. But in March 2016, NHS of New Haven partnered with University of New Haven to offer an alternative for students who wanted to give back to the communities surrounding their school. To these extraordinary students, spring break means making a difference in their community.
The group, working with our Community Building & Organizing staff, rose to the task of cleaning up Beaver Pond Park in New Haven, just three miles from the U.N.H. campus.
Sarah, a sophomore at U.N.H. remarked, "I chose to volunteer [because] I wanted to get more involved. When I first got [to Beaver Pond Park], it was disgusting. There were bottles everywhere, from one end to the other."
One morning, during the clean-up, Jen, another U.N.H. sophomore, said: "I've never really done anything like this...I actually enjoy it. It's nice to feel like you're making a difference."
It's activities like these that allow us to bring a variety of partners together to revitalize neighborhoods in New Haven that need of some extra attention and care. Volunteer events are organized year round and give even the youngest residents in New Haven a chance to give back.
This past autumn, several enthusiastic volunteers ranging in age from 4-17 joined us from Solar Youth, Squash Haven, Common Ground High School, and The Sound School. These students worked to clear beds, rake leaves, and plant in the Ivy Street, Stevens Street, and Davenport Avenue gardens in New Haven. Not only do these activities better the appearance of the neighborhood, they also help students grow by providing a safe space to learn about the environment and build a sense of community pride.
We are proud to be able to work with these groups and include them as volunteers in our NHS Family.
If you want to support NHS' volunteer activities, pledge to make a donation on May 3-4 by clicking the button below. All we need is your name and email address! We'll send you a reminder when it's time to donate during The Great Give.
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