Acts of Service

"I provided service to the Loved organization in helping to make blankets for foster youth in Wisconsin. I have a heart for children who are in foster care and living in temporary homes with temporary families. Given my background as a former elementary teacher, children are near and dear to my heart. I am dedicated to giving my time to help endure that their basic needs are met. Engaging in this service reflects the commitment to supporting all children that NLU and NCE inspire in me every day."

‍

"I volunteered alongside the leadership team at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. It felt great to contribute, even in a small way, to addressing food insecurity and hunger in our community. The energy from everyone who participated was contagious and the experience was incredible. At NLU, we’re committed to improving the lives of the communities we serve, and this experience was a meaningful reflection of that mission."

"Last week, I had the privilege of volunteering with the National Louis University leadership team at the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

It was a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about strategy and vision — it is also about service. As we packed food for families across Chicago, I was struck by how naturally our team brought the same collaboration and work ethic we embody every day.

Serving together reinforced that impact does not always come through big initiatives. Sometimes it comes from simply showing up."

‍

"I felt it was a great bonding experience for the team while actually accomplishing something for the greater good.  I was happy about it and realized I need to do this more often."

"What a cool experience!  I'm so grateful to have had an opportunity to spend a few hours at the Greater Chicago Food Depository with NLU colleagues.  We collectively packed more than 5,000 pounds of food that will go to families and community members around Chicago. I left with an overwhelming appreciation for the GCFD and a renewed connection to the NLU colleagues I shared the experience with.  I'm proud of all the work we do at NLU and to be part of an institution deeply committed to the future of Chicago!"

"Students, staff, and faculty came together in a heartfelt show of creativity and community spirit for The Cupid’s Project. In a joyful burst of collaboration, 30 volunteers dedicated their time and talents to craft more than 80 handmade Valentine’s cards, bookmarks, charms, and bouquets for senior citizens. Each piece was thoughtfully created to spread warmth, kindness, and connection, proving small acts of care can make a big impact. This collective effort not only brightened the days of the recipients, but also reflected the compassion and generosity that define our community."

"Volunteering at the Chicago Food Depository was both humbling and energizing. Working side by side as a team, I felt a strong sense of purpose knowing our efforts would directly support families experiencing food insecurity, especially at a time when reductions in SNAP benefits are placing additional strain on our communities.  In many ways, this experience reflected the NLU spirit: service is not just about giving time; it is about collaboration and a commitment to equity. Leaving the day, I felt proud of what we accomplished together and reminded that meaningful change often begins with small, collective acts of care."

"I had the opportunity to serve alongside NLU's Leadership Team at the Chicago Food Depository as part of our ongoing commitment to our Chicago communities. This experience reflects our shared belief that food security is fundamental — both within NLU and beyond. The Chicago Food Depository supports our campus pantry, ensuring students have access to nutritious food, so it was meaningful to give back to an organization that supports them. Service is core to who we are, and this reinforced our commitment to ensuring every community member has access to what they need to thrive."

"We performed volunteer work for the Chicago Food Depositary.  This was a very rewarding activity for all that participated and it embodied the spirit of NLU by showing support and performing a meaningful activity for those in need."

"As a former teacher and current staff member, I feel my best when helping others. During lunch breaks, I walk along Lake Michigan near my Chicago office — a meditative escape from screens. I pick up litter to care for my community, protect our drinking water, and support the creatures who call the lake home. As a member of the Alliance for the Great Lakes, I report collected debris so it can be analyzed and addressed. Small acts, shared widely, truly matter. Visit https://greatlakes.org/ to find easy ways to help."

"In a moment when it's easy to feel helpless about what's happening across the country, volunteering with Market Box gave me something I didn't expect: hope. Seeing people come together to support their community reminded me that goodness is still happening all around us. This experience didn't just feel meaningful; it felt like a direct expression of NLU's values of access and equity lived out in real time."

Shoveling snow so my little ones could play safely and joyfully was a simple but rewarding act of care. Moments like these reflect the values I carry as an NLU student: a commitment to showing up for others, nurturing the people around me, and representing my community with intention and pride.