Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) was once again chosen as one of the sites for St. John’s University’s University Service Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Organized through CCBQ’s Volunteer office and St. John’s Office of University Mission and Academic Service-Learning Vincentian Institute for Social Action (VISA), seven volunteers came out to Catholic Charities Queens Community Center in Astoria, to continue the ongoing face-lift that the center has been experiencing over the last few months. The volunteer group was led by sophomore Aaron Gallagher, the team leader for New Student Orientation. The volunteers were mostly university sophomores and juniors, all orientation leaders, but first-time volunteers for University Service Day.
For about five hours, the volunteers removed and rolled up carpeting on the second floor of the center, while others painted the hallway on the third floor. Paint and supplies were graciously donated by Sherwin Williams For Your Home.
Catholic Charities provided lunch and some CCBQ swag for the volunteers to take home.
The group of orientation leaders is the third group of St. John’s students who have helped paint and refurbish CCBQ’s Queens Community Center this year. Catholic Charities also welcomed volunteers through St. John’s Rendu Service Experience (RSU) Plunge and student-athletes from the St. John’s women’s basketball team.
Now in its 13th year, St. John’s University Service Day is held on the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, whose compassion and zeal for service continues to inspires so many to work towards social justice and the reduction of poverty. The day services as the culmination of St. John’s University Founder’s Week, a week of events and programs dedicated to deepening our knowledge and understanding of our Vincentian heritage. Not only do students volunteer, but also alumni, friends of the University, faculty, staff and administrators from all of St. John’s campuses.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens offers many opportunities to give back to the New York City community through our Volunteer Program, including the customization of volunteer projects to suit your many ideas! In April, #NationalVolunteerMonth, CCBQ celebrated the work of many of its volunteers.
For more information on our Volunteer Program, please click here. Stay informed with CCBQ! View more photos! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.
