Great Challenges: Service EventApril 22, 2021 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dedicate time to be in service with others by participating in the Great Challenges Service Cadre event. The Great Challenges theme this year is Systemic Racism and through this event we will be serving our immediate, local and greater communities in a few different ways.

This event will take place Thursday, April 22, 2021 in Alumni Hall from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sign up for a 30-minute shift here: https://bit.ly/3csjcTm, limited walk up shifts may be available. 

The organizations we will be supporting include:

Pack A Smyle (https://www.packasmyle.org/), which was founded by Gustie Alum, Muresuk Mena '13. This Twin Cities based non-profit organization strives to provide equitable means for families in the communities and schools. During the event we'll be packing backpacks with school supplies to support children in 2+ schools.

Feeding Our Community Partners (https://www.feedingourcommunitiespartners.org/volunteer.html), an organization serving the Greater Mankato Area and feeding food-insecure youth. Each year they serve around 850 students in the community. The top three reasons families give for why they are participating are: cost of housing, low wages, and medical issues - all three of these have ties to our Great Challenges topic of Systemic Racism. During the event, we'll be packing food supplies for the High School Food Pantries. Additionally, you can sign up to volunteer directly at their organization to pack food or deliver it for local students.

Gustavus Winter Clothes Closet for Students: Each year we have Gusties living and learning in our community that do not have serviceable winter clothes. At the event, we will be collecting winter clothing items to have available for Gusties in need. You can also drop off winter clothing items prior to the event in the box located outside of The Book Mark.