The holiday season is a special time of year for many―but what is perhaps most rewarding is the joy one receives from giving back.

Vaughn students make a difference

The season of giving goes beyond simply making donations. It is the rewarding feeling one gets knowing their time and compassion is making a difference and touching the lives of others. Over the years, Vaughn College students have shown their dedication to giving back to their community, and this year is no different. In the spirit of the season, on-campus clubs at Vaughn are organizing charitable events for the purpose of spreading kindness in their community.

Children’s Holiday Party

The Alpha Phi Delta fraternity chapter at Vaughn has pulled out all the stops, as they will be hosting a holiday party this month to put smiles on the faces of kids in a local children’s hospital. Debra Cassidy ’20, a sophomore at Vaughn and president of the Student Government Association, says the fraternity is planning an exciting event to bring joy to children who may be spending the holidays in the hospital, apart from their families. “I’m proud to be a Vaughn student,” Cassidy said. “Vaughn is a community-based college and we all feel a common connection to give back to our community, especially during the holidays.”

Coat Drive

As the weather turns cold, there are many who do not have coats to stay warm. The Circle K International (CKI) chapter at Vaughn recognizes this need and has kicked off their seasonal coat drive, which will run through the end of January 2018. Student members of Circle K are collecting outer wear for the colder winter weather, as well as coats, scarves, hats and gloves. They have placed drop boxes at convenient locations throughout the campus to make the drop-off process easy for those who can donate. All donations will be distributed locally where the need is greatest.

“It’s wonderful seeing fellow students and faculty giving back to our community,” said Jacqueline Oricchio ’20, a sophomore and president of the Circle K International chapter at Vaughn. “Even the smallest donation can mean so much for those who go without.”

CKI is a collegiate service organization led by Kiwanis International that raises funds for various charitable causes. Their philosophy is to promote service, leadership and fellowship by helping the community through a host of service projects.

Ongoing Good Will Happenings

Vaughn is dedicated to helping the community throughout the year. The College holds blood drives at least once every semester to help the local blood banks. “It’s a great feeling knowing the Vaughn community could possibly be saving someone’s life someday,” Cassidy said. “If there’s a need, then Vaughn is there to help.”

To keep up-to-date on all Vaughn College initiatives and to hear the latest innovations in engineering, technology, management, aviation and more―check out the Vaughn College monthly newsletter. (Sign up below.)