Acts of Service

"Making bracelets and cards for children at Lurie Children's Hospital brought a deep sense of gratitude, humility, and purpose. Knowing these small gestures could offer encouragement to families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances made the work feel meaningful far beyond its simplicity. As a parent, I found myself reflecting on my own children's health — a blessing I don't always pause to appreciate. This experience embodied NLU's spirit of empathy and community care, reminding me that even modest, intentional acts of compassion can meaningfully touch the lives of others."

“Making bracelets for the children at Lurie’s was a really special experience, especially getting to do it alongside my colleagues. As I made each bracelet, I kept thinking about the kids who would receive them and what might make them happy, such as colors they might like or fun beads that could bring a smile to their faces. This project reminded me how important it is to bring joy to others, even in small ways. Taking time to do something simple can truly make a difference, and it felt good knowing these bracelets could brighten a child’s day.”

“For my act of service, I had the pleasure of assisting in making care packages for the patients at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago.  Participating in this event was a valuable reminder of NLU's commitment to serving our community.  It was a wonderful way to give, and I would definitely take part in something similar again!”

“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.”