‘Tis the Season for Student Volunteerism at Kean University
UNION, N.J. – Students at Kean University have once again embraced the season of giving through increased volunteering of their time and efforts to enrich the lives of people in the surrounding communities. The Division of Student Affairs is now co-sponsoring a collection effort for college-level books at various locations on the University’s main campus, located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, N.J.
“We all look forward to spending time with family and friends during the holidays,” said Janice Murray-Laury, vice president for Student Affairs. “Our students and members of the Kean community are involved in a variety of service projects throughout the year and make an extra effort to reach out to those in need this season.”
Through December 21, students of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. are hosting a Books for Africa project. Collection boxes for books are available in the University Center Atrium, Residence Halls, and in the lobbies of Bruce, Hutchinson, Willis and Hennings Halls. Donations can include topics such as social studies, business, computer science and art, as well as dictionaries and novels. To date, Kean University has collected a total of 57 boxes containing 1,427 books, but aims to exceed that initial contribution with increased generosity from donors during the holiday season. Books will be distributed to under-funded schools in 27 African countries.
Other recent service projects included the Child Advocacy Resource Association’s (C.A.R.A.S.) Pajamas and Teddy Bears Drive to benefit youth between one and 18 years of age, as well as campus-wide blood drives in connection with New Jersey Blood Services and the American Red Cross. A blood drive held earlier this month and organized by the Psi Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc. raised 43 pints. Also in December, more than 50 students and members of the Kean community visited the Community Food Bank in Hillside to help package cartons of food for families in need.
Founded in 1855, Kean University offers 50 undergraduate and 31 graduate degree programs serving 13,000 students across four undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College.