This past Saturday, Sept. 20, the St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service celebrated its 20th anniversary, with Villanova students and community members gathered and sent off to perform acts of service at several different sites in the greater Philadelphia area.

The service groups were made up of several different student organizations, clubs and societies at Villanova.

This day marked the culmination of months-long work by the  Villanova Day of Service Committee, with Saturday beginning bright and early for committee members at 5 a.m.

“[We’ll] set up the whole stadium, basically organizing all the groups and cones and also all the lunches,” senior Patrick Casale, Marketing and Outreach Co-Director, said to The Villanovan in the leadup to Day of Service.

For those participating, Day of Service began promptly at 8:15 a.m. where all taking part congregated on the stadium field.

There, they were greeted with breakfast refreshments, their service site number and a welcoming address from the Day of Service Committee’s Student Chair Victoria Diaz.

Following these greetings, Day of Service founder and University President Rev. Peter M. Donahue, O.S.A, Ph.D. began his welcoming address.

In this speech, students listened to the history of Day Of Service, and learned more of the impact they were about to have on the neighboring communities.

Shortly after, groups dispersed to their respective service sites. While all unique, students echoed similar sentiments on how Day of Service went.

Junior Sophia Marks participated in Day of Service alongside Villanova Club Swim.

Its service consisted of letter writing for a nonprofit entitled the Joy Of Sox, which helps to run sock drives for the homeless communities in Philadelphia.

“I always enjoy participating in Day of Service because community is so important at Villanova,” Marks said. “It only makes sense to give back to the communities that surround us.”

Marks also went on to highlight the importance of extending this service beyond the University, and heading into the community.

“Villanova is almost like a bubble,” Marks said. “Day of Service helps us to remember that there are communities outside of our campus.”

Sophomore Ary Muniz described her time helping out at St. David’s Church in Wayne, alongside Alpha Phi Omega. Its service consisted of moving and unloading boxes from their flea market tent and cleaning up the grounds around the Church.

“I honestly loved it,” Muniz said.  “I used to do a lot of service back home, so having a day just dedicated to helping around the community fills my heart with absolute joy.”

Muniz also pointed to the value of the collaborative aspect of Day of Service, and just how much better that makes the day itself.

“Being able to assist others throughout the day with close friends, having fun and seeing we are making a positive impact,” Muniz said. “ I believe it’s the true Villanovan way.”

Students emphasized how much fun they had in completing their service, and also appreciated the chance to leave campus and help out.

Following the conclusion of their service activities, students returned to campus for a “Welcome Back Celebration.” They were greeted with food, music and t-shirt giveaways in the Villanova Stadium.

Students were encouraged to reflect on their service by writing cards to their volunteer site and signing their name on a banner, alongside all of the other participants of the day. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Day of Service, banners from past years were showcased.

Day of Service Director Kate Hamel has served on committee for multiple years. She emphasized how students’ involvement with the program goes beyond the day-of event.

“The partnerships Villanova has formed with outside service partners through this initiative are like no other,” Hamel said. “We have a responsibility to share the resources that the school has with others, and I hope to continue that mindset into adulthood.”

Day of Service provided Villanovans the opportunity to engage with community members and give back to a variety of causes in the local area.

Students are now tasked with the mission of carrying this same commitment and dedication to serving others until the 21st Day of Service next year.

Whether it be getting involved with other student service organizations or following up with their previous service sites, service can become an integral part of students time at the University.

To that point, if students hope to get more involved with Day of Service next year, they are encouraged to apply for committee and subcommittee positions.