Villanova, Pa. — Three weeks ago, over 4,500 members of the Villanova University community participated in the 12th annual St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service. 452 of the volunteers were student athletes, coaches, and staff members from 22 teams. This year there were over 135 sites that were served. Overall, the 452 student athletics volunteers completed approximately 1,300 hours of service.
Paulina Bajet, a senior on the women’s tennis team talked about her experience at the day of service.
“Volunteering at Parkway Center City Middle School was amazing! During our service day, we were able to learn more about the history of Parkway Center City Middle School. It was great to hear how the school is catered toward developing inner-city scholars and leading them towards a successful, academic path.”
Siofra Cleirigh Buttner, a senior on the women’s cross country team, explained the impact the day of service had.
“Volunteering at the Providence Animal was a very positive and valuable experience for me and my team as we did some very strenuous hands on work for the shelter and the animals, before spending time with the animals” Buttner said.
She added that “I did have personal feelings toward my service at the Animal Center as I love animals and we got to spend some time with the dogs after our hands on work, learning the story behind each animal. Especially in the wake of the hurricanes, many of these dogs had come from the south to seek shelter and a home. It was beautiful to see them being cared for and the hope of adoption.”
Megan Quinn, a fifth year player on the women’s basketball team spoke about the importance of having the whole team participate in the event.
“I love being able to do work for the Bache Martin community with my team. Day of Service is a great day for my team to come together and appreciate how blessed we are to be at Villanova and how much of a difference we can make for an Elementary School.”
St. Thomas of Villanova believed in challenging all within the Church to serve the least powerful, and to discover love and wisdom in the service of others. St. Thomas was known as “father of the poor,” he established social programs on behalf of the poor. The day of service was created to keep St. Thomas’ mission alive, for the past 12 years the Villanova community has been able to help thousands of local people in need.
Below is a detailed list of where each of the 22 teams volunteered on September 23rd
Friday Lunch Making- VU Men’s Cross Country
Annunciation- VU Baseball
Bache Martin Elementary School- VU Women’s Basketball
Caring People Alliance- VU Track and Field
Nationalities Service Center City- VU Swimming and Diving
Parkway Center City Middle College High School- VU Women’s Tennis
Philadelphia Urban Creators- VU Men’s Lacrosse
Providence Animal Center- VU Women’s Cross Country
Rise Against Hunger- VU Men’s Basketball
Ronald McDonald House- Baking Crew- VU Cheerleading
Ronald McDonald House- Cleaning Crew- VU Cheerleading 2
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse- VU Field Hockey
St. Raphaela Center- VU Water Polo
St. Thomas Aquinas Church/Aquinas Center- VU Women’s Rowing (10 sa’s)
Little Sisters of the Poor- VU Women’s Rowing (10 sa’s)
The Joy of Sox- VU Golf
Friday- Jake Nevin Field House- VU Softball
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