Alumni Days of Service

From October 17-31, 2020, unite with fellow alumni in Geneseo's long-standing tradition of volunteerism. Alumni Days of Service celebrate our collective commitment to service and community while strengthening our ties as an alumni family. This year, we're going virtual. Participate in a project listed below or tell us more about what you're doing in your community. However you choose to give back, please take a moment to register so we can send you a token of our appreciation. Let your Geneseo spirit shine!

Please note, projects must be completed virtually, in-person independently, or in-person with your immediate family. Because of the current restrictions, there can be no organized groups of any size. If doing in-person service, we urge you to use your best judgement, practice social distancing, and follow guidelines provided by your local authorities and the CDC in relation to COVID-19.

Projects

American Red Cross

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Give blood at a drive near you.

Be My Eyes

Help make the world more accessible to people who are blind or have a low level of vision. Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers for visual assistance through a live video call. Learn more or download the app.

Cards for Hospitalized Kids

Use your creativity to design handmade cards for distribution in hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses across the nation. Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK) has distributed over 100,000 cards to children in all 50 states. Make cards and send them to CFHK. 

Color a Smile

Print and color a page for senior citizens, troops overseas, or anyone in need of a smile. Color a Smile collects cheerful colorful crayon drawings from people of all ages and abilities, and has distributed over one million drawings. Volunteer to color.

Feeding America

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, 54 million people may face hunger in the U.S. during 2020 — including more than 18 million children. The Feeding America network is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to connect people with food and end hunger. Donate food or your time to a local food bank.

Kids in Need

Product donations made to the Kids in Need Foundation (KINF) are provided – free of charge – to teachers from underserved schools across the country. Each year KINF supplies an estimated 5 million students with the tools they need to participate and succeed in the classroom and beyond, via the 200,000 teachers they support. Check out their National Network of Resource Centers to donate supplies to an organization near you.

Meals on Wheels

Nine million seniors in America face the threat of hunger, and millions more live alone in isolation. Take your lunch hour to deliver meals and friendly greetings to homebound seniors. Learn more about volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Operation Gratitude

Every year, Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ individually addressed care packages to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen deployed overseas, to their children left behind, and to First Responders, New Recruits, Veterans, Wounded Heroes, and their Care Givers. Write personal letters of appreciation, participate in a digital letter writing campaign, make paracord "survival" bracelets or other handmade items. Learn more about virtual volunteerism for Operation Gratitude.

Rock the Vote

This year, Millennials and Generation Z will comprise nearly 40% of American voters. Check out Rock the Vote to register to vote, find your polling place, pledge to vote in every election and help three friends do the same, host a virtual voter registration event, and more. Learn more about volunteering for Rock the Vote.

Warm Up America!

Warm Up America! afghans and accessories are distributed to individuals and families in need through community service organizations as well as through chapters of national organizations. Crochet and knit one or more 7" x 9" rectangle, an entire blanket, hats, scarves or baby clothing. Volunteer to knit or crochet today.

Volunteer Bingo

Are you interested in completing more than one project during the Alumni Days of Service? Download a copy of our bingo card. Fill in five blocks in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for a chance to win some Geneseo swag. Email us a photo of your completed card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Geneseo Alumni Days of Service?

Alumni Days of Service are an opportunity for alumni to unite in Geneseo's longstanding tradition of volunteerism. Alumni are invited to participate in service projects across the country to give back to their local communities. Typically, projects are organized by regional chapters; however, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 event will be virtual. We've pre-selected some opportunities you can participate in no matter your location, and we encourage you to tell us about things you may already be doing in your own community.

When are the Geneseo Alumni Days of Service?

This year's celebration is October 17-31. Complete your project anytime within the two-week timeframe.

Who can participate?

All alumni are welcome to participate. Students, parents, and friends of the College are also welcome to join in the fun! Please note, projects must be completed virtually, in-person independently, or in-person with your immediate family. Because of the current restrictions, there can be no organized groups of any size. If doing in-person service, we urge you to use your best judgement, practice social distancing, and follow guidelines provided by your local authorities and the CDC in relation to COVID-19.

Why should I register?

Please take a moment to register for a pre-selected project, tell us about a project you're doing on your own, or share a story of how you helped during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your registration allows us to show the collective impact of the Geneseo family. Plus, as an added bonus, when you let us know how you're giving back, we'll send you a token of our appreciation.