Stockton University held its 12th annual Day of Service on September 12, 2015. Volunteers were expected at the campus center event room at 8am, but not before being provided a healthy breakfast consisting of bagels, coffee, muffins, etc. Volunteers arrived to the tables set up against the wall and were permitted to choose a group based on preferred color. After choosing teams, we entered the event room and prepared to hear the speakers. Meanwhile, volunteers signed photo release forms and chose what seminar they wanted to start with. After being told the importance of our participation which involved gaining knowledge that will contribute to our community, we separated to our designated areas. My group started with the drug prescription seminar. The speaker was thorough in explaining the drug problem within the community and the forces attempting to stop it. An officer came into the session and explained what we can do as bystanders or even as people who may know the victim.

Afterward, we switched rooms and met in a larger auditorium where volunteers were told about other organizations that helped around the area including, but not limited to covenant house and books without borders. After introductions and further explanation of our purpose as volunteers, we were split into organizers and lifters to help books without borders organize books into cardboard boxes.

Overall, the day of service was beneficial and was a list of lectures that volunteers rotated to. It certainly was not what I expected. I thought we’d be doing more hands on activities such as going around the community and participating in several events that would benefit our surrounding area. However, after going to the lectures, I saw the importance behind them, just as others did. They found it important that the volunteers that were present be aware of all the volunteer opportunities on campus that can relate to an area they’re interested in whether it’s rehabilitation or making care packages. Afterward, all volunteers were provided with different lunches, depending on their group. All volunteers were given t-shirts that showed they were participants in this wonderful event.