Students, staff to give back during CSM’s 25th Annual Spirit of Service Day

OMAHA, Neb. – Hundreds of College of Saint Mary (CSM) students, staff, faculty and alumnae will give back to the Omaha community as part of the University’s 25th annual Spirit of Service Day on Thursday, April 21.

“With service being a core component of CSM’s mission, it’s important to emphasize the value of service to others and to our community by setting aside this day each year, said Craig Zimmer, director of campus ministry. “The college exists as part of the Omaha community, and that relationship comes with a responsibility to our fellow community members. Sending our students, faculty and staff out across the city to serve the needs of both people and organizations reinforces this commitment.”

CSM volunteers will complete projects at 20 locations throughout the Omaha Metro area. Some of the projects will include outdoor work with animals at Scatter Joy Acres, working on animal enrichment projects at the Henry Doorly Zoo, assisting with food pantry distribution at Catholic Charities Juan Diego Center, playing outdoor games and activities with guests at the Stephen Center, and sorting donations at Food Bank for the Heartland. On-campus activities include blanket making for the Linus Project, creating shoulder wraps for children in need of OT services and creating posters to encourage and uplift Make-A-Wish children.

Virtual volunteer options are also available, including writing encouraging notes to support guests to the Ronald McDonald House and participating in the Snuggles Project to help support shelter animals by donate blankets to a local animal shelter.

“My hope is that everyone who volunteers for CSM’s Spirit of Service will be reminded that there is great need in our community and that they will be inspired to find ways to serve others in their own lives throughout the year, beyond Spirit of Service Day,” Zimmer said. “I also hope that members of the CSM community will see all of the good work and valuable service being done by these great organizations and perhaps find ways to support them with their own time, energy and resources in the future.”