Once again, Gannon students have happily donated a portion of their weekend to the greater good.

This year, GIVE day saw 58 of the university’s clubs and organizations volunteering at 51 sites, from the Erie VA Medical Center to Gridley Park to Gannon’s own Goodwill Garden.

GIVE Day coincided with the “International Coastal Cleanup Day,” and as such many of the volunteer hours completed involved cleaning up waterways. Around 300 students cleaned up Presque Isle State Park, ensuring the preservation of one of Erie’s most beautiful. For that same reason, Phi Sigma Sigma and the Psychology Club were sent to Asbury Woods.

Back on campus, Beta Beta Beta was tasked with cleaning up and preparing the Gannon Goodwill Garden for winter. This garden, inspired by one of the university’s mission trips, provides food for the less fortunate. All food products taken from the garden were sent to the Erie Food Pantry.

Alpha Gamma Delta and residents of Harborview Apartments spent their time working at the garden located within the Erie Art Museum. This site in particular shows how beneficial GIVE Day can be, impacting both the Gannon and the Erie communities.

Even with the great success of the event, it is important to look forward. GIVE Day isn’t just about clubs or service hours; it’s about the compassion and generosity that each of us as people can provide with some simple motivation. Next year’s GIVE Day is sure to be just as rewarding.