Acts of Service

“I felt volunteering was fun and a great opportunity to meet students, staff and community members.”

"Packing boxes at St. Mary's Food Bank on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a deeply meaningful experience, especially given NLU's long-standing commitment to community service. Following the government shutdown, food insecurity became increasingly visible in Phoenix, making the work feel urgent and necessary. In just two hours, our group of volunteers packed over 1,000 boxes of food for seniors — a powerful reminder of what collective effort can accomplish. Knowing that our work would help someone eat was profoundly humbling, and I would gladly volunteer again, because the need never ends."

“We gathered as a team to serve a meal at the Sunday Soup kitchen to show our spirit for serving our community!”

"I participated in theMLK Day of Service at my local library.  The Evanston chapter of AlphaKappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. coordinates a daylong service project forlocal  residents to come out and take part in annually.  The chapterorganizes an activity to sew pads for people in our town experiencinghomelessness, as well as students in Ghana who cannot attend school due to lackof access to sanitary supplies.  I was proud to wear my NLU shirt thisyear as I used my sewing skills to help my neighbors and promote access to education.”

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“I (on the far right in the photo) was honored to join a group of NLU colleagues – from the UGC, NCE, Student Affairs, Provost’s Office, and Advancement – at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Evanston to prepare and serve a meal to members of the community as part of the church’s weekly, volunteer-led Interfaith Action Sunday Soup Kitchen. Most of us live in Evanston and have started an informal group to foster connections. This act of service enabled us to get to know each other better, give back to the community we love, and demonstrate NLU’s Service Values of Collaboration, Responsiveness, and Empathy. Kudos to the UGC’s Lauren Anderson (third from right) for organizing this fun and rewarding event!”

“Access is one of National Louis University’s values. I embodied this through a simple act of service I performed. I went to the nearest donation box and placed packs of clothes and footwear. I hope these bags will be given to someone or some people who feel uncomfortable due to the cold this winter. Although it was a simple act of kindness, I was happy to realize that I can always be of help to someone, even in small ways. I hope it will make the recipient feel remembered and cared for."

"Volunteering as a dog walker and awareness advocate for Heartland Animal Shelter left me feeling genuinely connected — both to my community and to the animals in my care. Acts of service like this are how I embody NLU's spirit of inclusion, connection, and service."

“The act of service completed was meeting, feeding, and giving clothing to families at the Pacific Mission. As a National Louis Education Student, I want to help others in their time of need. I enjoyed speaking with families and helping them with the resources available to them.  National Louis ' student body is very diverse economically and ethnically. We are taught to socialize and respect different opinions and cultures. My act of service was an extension of showing concern and respect for others,”

"I volunteer with Care for Real, a neighborhood organization that provides food, clothing, and personal care items at no charge. Each time I volunteer, I feel both grateful to be in a position to help and deeply saddened by how many people are struggling. This time, I helped community members find clothing, and was moved to see almost everyone leave with a winter coat — an essential for surviving a Chicago winter. This truly embodies the NLU spirit: equipping people with what they need to not just survive, but thrive."

"We made cards and bracelets for the patients at Laurie’s Children Hospital. Connecting with Lurie families felt meaningful to me. As a Shriners family, I understand a little of what it means to navigate life with a child who faces extra challenges — and I wanted to spread some holiday light to families who may be in a dark season. Sending love and positive affirmations, even through a simple card, is one small way to be a light in the world. I loved getting creative in the process and would absolutely do this again!"

“It felt amazing getting to do this act of service right before the holidays. All the cards and bracelets we made are going to Lurie children's hospital and it felt great knowing that we could help put a smile in their faces even if it's something small. Our team came together to do an act of service and that speaks for our department and how we are always willing to help those in need.”

"For over twelve years, I have volunteered with the South Suburban Humane Society, helping match families with pets that fit their needs. This work embodies the NLU spirit through active community engagement and meaningful impact. Beyond adoptions, we help families keep their pets by offering a low-cost veterinary clinic, spay and neuter services, microchipping, vaccinations, and pet food assistance for low-income households. Pictured is me with (Cat) In the Hat at an adoption event on December 13 — and yes, this kitten was adopted that very day!"