April marks National Volunteer Month, and students at Stony Brook University are actively participating in community service initiatives. These efforts not only benefit local communities but also provide students with valuable experiences. The Center for Service Learning and Community Service has highlighted various student-led projects, showcasing how volunteers contribute to their communities and facilitate change.
The Hidden Treasures club at Stony Brook University integrates sustainability with fashion. The club, known for its popular thrift store, aims to raise environmental awareness and offer students an alternative to fast fashion. Club Secretary Viyang Hao elaborates, “Many students feel bad about constantly ordering online because they don’t know of alternatives. Until they discover thrifting, some students don’t even know it’s an option. It’s so rewarding to show them that thrifting is a cool, affordable way to shop sustainably.” She notes that the club helps members acquire skills such as leadership, public speaking, and prioritization, which aid both personal and professional development. Hao views the club as a learning platform beyond her planned legal career, stating, “I also learn a lot about marketing and other areas that will be helpful in the future.”
Another initiative is the Community Garden, co-founded by senior biology major Andrew Fu. This organization focuses on promoting sustainable food systems and community engagement by cultivating produce for donation. Fu's previous work at GrowNYC served as inspiration. "I used to work at farmers markets in New York City, and so that really inspired me in terms of having local food systems, having sustainable food systems, having access to nutritious food," he reflects. Fu wants to foster community interaction through gardening and plans to expand the garden to all residence halls.
Junior business management major Daniel Gitter and sophomore physics major Aiden Cage actively support the SBU Cat Network. This organization caters to community cats on campus, providing them with food and shelter. Gitter describes the satisfaction in witnessing a cat's transformation: “It was really rewarding to see that, while it’s this cat that was just super scared a couple days ago, is just a sweetheart now.” Cage adds, “Socializing is probably the most rewarding thing, because you can see that happen. We brought in a four-month-old cat, completely feral, and they completely changed.” These efforts not only aid the cats but also encourage a sense of compassion within the campus community.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities, individuals can reach out to the Center for Service Learning and Community Service for guidance.