UBalt community gives time, creativity to Baltimore
Sharon Pinkney grew up in east Baltimore, not far from where she would spend a recent Friday morning volunteering.
She’s always felt a desire to help others and the day of service introduced her to both opportunity and The 6th Branch, a veteran-led organization that aims to revitalize neighborhood green spaces, community gardens and more.
“Community service is definitely necessary so that you can go in and help and see what people are doing to keep our neighborhoods looking beautiful,” said Pinkney, a B.A. in Human Services Administration student.
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Pinkney was one of 52 volunteers from across The University of Baltimore to participate in Community Service Day on Friday, April 5. Volunteers could select from six organizations to support in all.
One group helped the Ronald McDonald House Charity by stuffing and decorating comfort kits filled with activities and healthy snacks. Another helped build Narcan kits that Love in the Trenches will distribute for free in the city.
Some volunteers spent time building care and hygiene packages for Vanessa’s HEART, which works to lift up the less fortunate in the city through giveaways, and writing letters with Thread, which connects volunteers with Baltimore youth to establish a network care and support. Another group helped accept and organize deliveries at the ReStore, part of Habitat for Humanity Chesapeake.
“Our students are engaging and volunteering daily, be it by working with individuals who could use an extra hand or through organizations who can consolidate a community's goals and efforts,” said Atom Zerfas, UBalt’s coordinator of engagement and service-learning. “Community Service Day doesn't just highlight the work UBalt does for this city, it builds bridges between people, between passions and organizations, and it can be the spark that leads to a lifetime of continuous service.”
Douglas Purvis said the service day was a perfect introduction to volunteer opportunities in the city—something he wanted to pursue without knowing how.
“Not only was I able to connect with an organization that provides for the community, I was also able to connect with likeminded people who shared similar visions for the community as a whole,” said Purvis, a B.S. in Information Systems and Technology Management student. “The experience was both rewarding physically and personally. Thanks to my experience on UBalt’s Community Service Day, I plan to commit many more hours of volunteering with The 6th Branch and I look forward to next year’s Community Service Day.”
Pearlie Mae Lewis, a B.S. in Business Administration student, appreciates having multiple opportunities to volunteer through UBalt.
“This is the best part for me this semester because I get to do what I do best—help people.”
Lewis had her family in mind as she worked. She thought of her grandchildren as she worked with Ronald McDonald House to make gift bags for children just coming home from the hospital. And as she built Narcan kits and shared the value of having kits like them available to people in the city, she thought of her brother who died from opiate use.
“It uplifts your spirit,” she said of the service work. “It makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something. Whether it’s just for one day or you can do other charities throughout the month or year, it makes you feel like you’re part of the University as a family.”
The small group of volunteers that helped Thread traveled together to the organization’s office in the Touchpoint Center at Mondawmin Mall. The intimate shared experience made for a more memorable experience.
“I find it easier to talk when I’m doing something with my hands,” said Ayla Dumont, an M.A. in Integrated Design student. “And so I think that coming out here to volunteer with Thread was a great opportunity to get to know some new folks in my community.”
Katie Boettinger, a B.S. in Business Administration student with a concentration in accounting, learned about the Community Service Day and couldn’t wait to volunteer. The experience was better than she imagined.
“The people at Thread, the staff, they’re just amazing and you can tell right off the bat that they’re excited about the work that they do,” she said.
Julia Goffredi volunteered on Community Service Day, in part, for the chance to get involved as a newer staff member with UBalt’s Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, and Technology.
She felt empowered by the experience and encouraged others to sign up in the future.
“Baltimore is a wonderful city and there’s lots of great community engagement,” she said. “I wouldn’t hold back. I wouldn’t be nervous. … I think there is a place for everyone.”
Learn more about UBalt's engagement opportunities and initiatives.
