John Calvin Toll Day gives students a chance to pitch in

Publication Date

Students will get a chance to pitch in and help the local community at Union’s annual John Calvin Toll 1799 Community Day on Oct. 15.

The event is Union’s biggest single day of service. This year, students can volunteer locally in Schenectady from 9 a.m. to noon or spend a whole day helping to clean up flood damage in Schoharie.

“It’s a great way to show how much Union College cares about Schenectady and strengthen community ties,” said Janet Sweeney, program director for the Kenney Community Center. “We are able to send groups of students to many local organizations to do all kinds of work including painting, landscaping, cleaning, and preparing meals.”

Sweeney said the center is expecting about 200 students to participate and all faculty and staff are invited to join as well. Some sites that students have volunteered at in the past include: the Animal Protective Foundation, Bethesda House, the Boys and Girls Club, Schenectady City Mission, COCOA House, the Albany Damien Center, First United Methodist Church and the Hamilton Hill Arts Center.

Volunteers will sign in at 9 a.m. outside Old Chapel, and then board buses or walk to their assigned sites. Registration is required. Participants can call the center at (518) 388-6609 or email sweeneyj@union.edu for more information.