Thomas More University canceled all normal daytime classes recently and organized a day of service for its students, faculty and staff. Known as Saints Serve, this day continues a longstanding tradition at Thomas More of honoring its Catholic mission and identity through service.
Stepping away from normal routines and obligations, members of the Thomas More community visited dozens of nonprofit and civic organizations spread across the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati region.
Key outcomes of the 2024 Saints Serve include:
• Partnering with 47 local nonprofit and civic organizations on 69 service projects
• A record 1,082 students working together with 179 faculty/staff for a total of 1,261 volunteer participants
• 2,540 hours of service performed in just one day.
“While Saints Serve is one day dedicated to service, our goal is that the lessons learned and connections made extend far beyond October 15,” President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D., says. “As we take this time to come together and serve, we reinforce our Christian call to use our gifts and talents for the good of others, and ultimately, to share the love and light of Christ with the world.”
In preparation for Saints Serve, the University sought out volunteer opportunities benefiting a wide range of causes and focus areas, including human services, alleviating poverty, early childhood education, arts and culture, and care for the environment. Highlights of the day included:
• Window washing and cleaning at Shelterhouse, fostering a welcoming environment for individuals experiencing homelessness;
• Sorting donations at Matthew 25 Ministries and Master Provisions that will get new life in humanitarian relief projects;
• Preparing holiday programs at Be Concerned that will provide joy to families in need this Christmas;
• Home demolition with Housing Opportunities of Northern Kentucky (HONK) to make way for new affordable housing;
• Assembling diaper kits that will be distributed from Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, ensuring parents and babies have access to their basic needs;
• Gardening at Best Point Education & Behavioral Health, creating a safe outdoor space for children served there;
• Clearing trash and litter from two sites along the Ohio River to preserve and maintain the natural ecosystem;
• Collecting over 50 bags of trash from the Devou Park Trail Collective, improving the trails for human visitors and wildlife alike;
• And many, many more.
Chillo said Thomas More University extends its gratitude to Saints Serve partner organizations for the work they do year-round to provide care and support to people in need, educate and inspire learners of all ages and abilities, protect and preserve our natural resources, and promote the intrinsic dignity of all human life.
President Chillo launched Saints Serve in 2021, as part of the University’s celebration of its centennial anniversary. Organizations interested in getting involved in next year’s Saints Serve event may email saintsserve@thomasmore.edu.
Featured photo: Helping with groundskeeping at the Congregation of Divine Providence in Melborne. (Photo provided)
Thomas More University