More than 250 first-year Marymount students received a hands-on lesson on the university’s commitment to service when they packaged 10,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that distributes food and aid to the world’s most vulnerable people.
The effort was all part of the Marymount’s annual Saints Serve day held Aug. 25 in the Lee Center’s recreational gym on the main campus. Each meal contained a grain, soy, and a vitamin package. Students sealed all meals and boxed them for shipping. Rise Against Hunger not only provides hunger relief to underdeveloped areas globally but also crisis relief to populations in immediate need, like the recent victims of Hurricane Harvey.
“Everyone really got into it, and it was a great way for our students to work with and meet new people,” said Linda Pratt, coordinator of commuter and graduate student services.
The Saints were split into two groups of freshmen, each working in one-and-a-half-hour timeframes. Joe Gauthier, an Ashburn-based representative of Rise Against Hunger talked with each group about world hunger and the organization’s work.
One of the three pillars of Marymount’s vision, service to others is an integral part of the university’s tradition, dating back to its founding order, the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM).
Photo captions
Photo 1
Split into two shifts, more than 250 first year students participated in the Saints Serve event at Marymount’s Lee Center. (Photo by Hansel D’souza)
Photo 2
The assembly-line-style production effort provided students a chance to meet new friends. (Photo by Hansel D’souza)
Photo 3
Joe Gauthier, from Rise Against Hunger’s Ashburn office, stacks boxes of pre-packaged meals. (Photo by Hansel D’souza)
Photo 4
Marymount University provides many opportunities for students to serve others through volunteer work. (Photo by Hansel D’souza)
