Each year the Student Volunteer Center hosts a Service Recognition Ceremony to honor UCSC affiliates for their exceptional volunteer work in our community. This year College Nine’s Global Leadership And Development (GLAD) and College Ten’s Explore New Growth And Gain Experience (ENGAGE) were nominated and received the Student Organization Service Awards at the ceremony on Tuesday, May 22nd.
ENGAGE was awarded for their support for the families of the Nueva Vista Community Resource Center in the Beach Flats neighborhood. The ENGAGE team of 15 College Ten students met weekly to organize a large fundraising event (a carnival-themed fundraiser with games and activities), outreach to local organizations for donations, collaborate with the NVCR, and table to raise funds.
“Our goal was to educate UCSC students about … food injustice within marginalized communities, while also supporting families living in the Beach Flats Community Center by donating to the Nueva Vista Community Resource center” said group leader, Biah Almajid.
As a group ENGAGE was able to raise over $1,400 for the project and fed over 10 families in need. Families from the community received food packages that included beans, rice, fresh produce, holiday food, gift cards to Safeway, and more.
“Our favorite volunteer memory was when we visited the Beach Flats Community Center and met with the families receiving the packaged goods,” said Almajid. “Families [gave] us hope that the activism we are doing now will impact our future.”
