BCCC Students Make A Difference At First Ever Student Day Of Service

NEWTOWN, PA — In a heartwarming display of community spirit and service, 26 Bucks County Community College (BCCC) students took time out of their busy schedules to give back to the local community during the college’s inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service on November 22.

In a prelude to Thanksgiving, the students volunteered their time and energy to support a variety of local organizations in and around Bucks County during an event that exemplified the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering civic engagement, social responsibility, and a strong sense of community.

During the inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service, BCCC students, from left, Deanna Vohl, Morgan Hangey, Christina Hackney, Katherine Aguilar, Shabana Abedy, Maria Escobar, Johnny Tate, Timothy Loteckie, Stephanie Hangey, and Alexis Crohe joined staff members at Reach Out Foundation of Bucks County in Penndel to serve a Thanksgiving meal to members of the community.

The students fanned out across the community to lend a hand at five community organizations:

• At A Women's Place, Doylestown, students helped organize essential items for women and children in need. The group supports survivors of domestic abuse.
• At Caring for Friends, Northeast Philadelphia, students sorted donations and packed meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity, ensuring that local families could have a nourishing meal.
• At Christ’s Home, Warminster, students helped prepare for the holidays by organizing decorations and spreading joy by visiting with elderly residents, offering companionship and warmth.
• At Habitat for Humanity, Croydon, students worked to rehab a house, contributing to Habitat’s mission of providing affordable housing for families in need.
• And at the Reach Out Foundation, Penndel, students served a Thanksgiving meal to individuals who are less fortunate, helping to make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.

Many of the students involved in the Bucks Student Day of Service are also highly engaged on campus, participating in a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and leadership activities. Despite their already packed schedules, including coursework and part-time jobs, they took time out of their day to make a meaningful impact in their community in the approach to Thanksgiving week.

During the inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service, BCCC students Lorena Gutierrez and Mark Kogan volunteer at Caring for Friends in Northeast Philadelphia where they packed holiday meals to be distributed to members of the community experiencing food insecurity.

During the inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service, BCCC students, from left, Ethan Greco, Cheryl McKenney, Thomas Greenage, and Kris Samosudova volunteered at Christ’s Home in Warminster. decorating the facility for the upcoming holiday season.

“Seeing our students take time to give back to the community is truly inspiring,” said Director of Student Engagement & Leadership Development Chris Seifert. “This day of service is just one example of how our students embody the spirit of compassion and responsibility, and we’re proud to see them making a positive impact in Bucks County.”

The Bucks Student Day of Service was organized by the college’s Office of Student Life, with support from various campus clubs and organizations. It highlights the importance of not only academic success but also social responsibility, demonstrating that even in the busiest of times, giving back to others is a priority for these passionate and driven students.

“This experience was truly unforgettable. I had never volunteered at a care home before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from the moment I walked in, I could feel the warmth and kindness from everyone there,” said Whitney Morine, BCCC student volunteer who visited with resident of Christ’s Home in Warminster. “The people who live and work in the care home have such a genuine, caring spirit, and it made me want to stay and be a part of the community.”

BCCC’s inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service was a resounding success, with students not only making a tangible difference in the lives of those they helped but also strengthening the bonds between the college and the local community. The college plans to organize more of these events as well as provide opportunities for students to volunteer year-round.

BCCC students Angel-Marie Cruz and Whitney Morine visit with Caryl, a resident of Christ’s Home in Warminster during the inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service.

BCCC student Deanna Vohl serving a Thanksgiving meal to a member of the community at Reach Out Foundation Bucks County during the inaugural Bucks Student Day of Service.