Acts of Service

"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.

"It felt soul-filling to be in community with my peers, getting the food ready for the BHM event hosted by BSEEN. All hands were on deck, reminding us that we are better together."

"I performed my act of service by checking attendees in at the opening ceremonies at the Chicago campus, 122 S. Michigan Ave. I felt great meeting and greeting attendees and enjoyed connecting with people I don't often have a chance to interact with."

"After shoveling snow and salting the sidewalks in my neighborhood, I felt cold — but if I'm being honest, I also felt proud. Most of my neighbors are seniors who would have a tough time shoveling and risk slipping and injuring themselves. So I went around clearing their sidewalks and salting them while they remained safely indoors, warm and comfortable. Performing this service helped me embody the NLU spirit, which I understand to be about drawing closer to your community and helping those in need. Seniors, even if they are strangers to us, are the foundation upon which our future is built. Without them and their sacrifices, we would not have what we have today."

“I look forward to serving at the People's Resource Center (PRC) Food Pantry every Wednesday because the environment reminds me of the supportive, welcoming, personalized, high-touch culture that I find in every interaction at NLU. The warmth, camaraderie, teamwork, and personal initiative of the pantry volunteer team transforms food insecurity into a community-rich, mom-and-pop grocery store experience for our neighbors. At PRC, I find an energizing alignment to the values that also distinguish NLU - innovation, access, excellence, and equity - and serving in this way deepens my connection to the NLU spirit as well.”

“I volunteered on the Wheeling Campus today with the Welcome Week Therapy dog vision board and bag making event. I love these opportunities to connect with students in a fun and informal way!”