Compassion crew

Driven by compassion and a desire to help others, almost 70 Wright State University staff and faculty members volunteered at several local nonprofit organizations during We Serve U Day on March 1.

Wright State faculty and staff took time off from work to volunteer at The Foodbank in Dayton, Crayons to Classrooms, Ronald McDonald House, 4 Paws for Ability and Wright State’s Office of Admissions.

The service day was organized by We Serve U, which encourages Wright State employees to provide their time and skills to engage in community service opportunities.

Volunteers loaded food donations into cars at The Foodbank drive-thru pantry in the morning and then worked in the warehouse preparing donation boxes in the afternoon.

“We are forever grateful to have Wright State with us today to help serve families in need,” said Lee Truesdale, chief development officer at the Foodbank and a Wright State graduate.

Volunteers at Crayons to Classrooms prepared crafts for elementary school teachers while faculty and staff cleaned and prepared food at the Ronald McDonald House.

Wright State volunteers also cleaned and sanitized the kitchen and play areas at 4 Paws for Ability and then brushed and bathed puppies.

Almost a dozen volunteers stayed on campus to assist the Wright State Office of Admissions with creating swag bags for prospective students.

Megan Conley, a retention specialist in Student Success Services, said she is happy Wright State implemented a volunteer day several years ago.

“It’s great to work for an organization that encourages employees to give back,” said Conley.