Acts of Service

“I felt grateful to volunteer along with my incredible colleagues to make bracelets and holiday cards for children at Lurie's hospital.”

“My act of service was incorporated into our department holiday gathering. As a team we made bracelets and cards for children receiving care at Lurie's Children's Hospital. This embodies NLU's service philosophy and was a perfect addition to the holiday gathering during a season of giving.”

"On 12/12/25, the NLU Academic Advising office made bracelets and holiday cards for Lurie's Children's Hospital. This act of service not only brought the team together but also reminded us of the importance of giving back. By performing service in the community in this way, we embodied the NLU spirit by fostering compassion, strengthening our sense of community, and making a meaningful difference beyond our campus."

"For my act of service, I made bracelets and cards for the patients at Laurie’s Children Hospital. It felt good to provide cheer but my heart was heavy thinking of someone so small having to go through something so hard. It reminded me that protecting the vulnerable isn't just an act of kindness. It's a responsibility we all share."

"Crafting bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital was a rewarding team experience that reminded us how even the simplest gestures can offer real comfort and emotional reassurance to those who need it most."

"Performing this act of service gave me a strong sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment. Giving my time to others reminded me how much empathy and presence matter in meaningful work — and that even small actions can make a real difference in a community. This experience helped me embody the NLU spirit by reinforcing values of service, social responsibility, and compassion. It encouraged me to step outside of myself, engage authentically, and apply what I am learning in settings that promote dignity and collective well-being."

“Serving our community reflects the spirit of NLU because it represents who we are at our core: educators, helpers, and advocates committed to impacting lives beyond the classroom. NLU was founded on the belief that education and service can transform lives, and that we have a responsibility to uplift the communities around us. By giving our time, creativity, and care, we embody NLU’s mission of compassion, equity, and service. For our service project, we will be creating handmade cards, bookmarks, and bracelets for the children and families at Lurie Children’s Hospital. These heartfelt items provide comfort, encouragement, and moments of joy for young patients and their families during their hospital stays and outpatient visits.”

"As one of the founders of 'A Moment to Care', we organized and hosted two community events where we provided home-cooked meals to local families. It was incredibly heartwarming! We created our events to address the food insecurity that was intensified during the government shutdown this fall, and due to an overwhelming outpouring of support, our first event provided over 400 meals! Our second event provided more than 300 meals, along with over 300 toiletry and hygiene items for community members in need. Volunteering my time in the community allowed me to truly embody the NLU spirit by reminding others that they are part of a caring and supportive community where everyone belongs."

“Participating in the whistle packing event allowed me to embody the NLU spirit by engaging in service that is directly connected to equity, advocacy, and community care. As an immigrant myself, supporting the immigration community in this way was both meaningful and personal, reinforcing NLU’s commitment to serving diverse communities with empathy and action.”

"On November 1st, my friend Rachel and I volunteered with the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago, a group of Catholic nuns who run a monthly food pantry serving over 300 people in the Humboldt Park area. We sorted clothing donations and loaded food into people's cars, connecting with many families along the way. It was humbling to see how needed this service was, with people lining up before we even arrived. As someone who researches food insecurity for work, volunteering reminded me of the profound power in simply walking alongside someone and offering help — a beautiful way to honor All Saints' Day."

"On October 4, 2025, I volunteered at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, proudly representing NLU as an alumna. NLU's commitment to service instilled in me a sense of social responsibility that has followed me long past graduation — from years of food bank volunteering in Illinois to now beginning a new chapter in Raleigh. In just three hours, fellow volunteers and I sorted and packed 21,000 pounds of zucchini and squash, providing an estimated 17,500 meals. I encourage fellow NLU alumni in the area to join me — our neighbors need us."

"I worked with the Bread Team at what I consider the best organized community service event in my 50 years of volunteering — and I have volunteered with the Marie Wilkerson Food Pantry, Hesed House, Feed My Starving Children, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, and my Sorority for decades. NLU's partnership with this Food Dispensary was an excellent teamwork experience for the good of the community. Those in need received excellent food, and we packed over 1,000 boxes of assorted breads in just 2½ hours. Wow!"