Last year, Jen DeBrincat ’09 began to panic as a group participating in Fairfield’s annual Hunger Cleanup did not show up at their assigned location: a women’s shelter. But with good luck and a few well-placed phone calls, DeBrincat and some friends arrived at the work site and upheld the event’s reputation of award-winning volunteerism.
“The woman who runs the center was so happy and grateful when we showed up to help, saying that it would’ve taken her days to do on her own what we were able to accomplish in about two hours,” said DeBrincat, chair of work sites for the event.
This year, members of the Fairfield community can share in the feeling of accomplishment – and even excitement – of Hunger Cleanup. The one-day event raises funds for local, national and international humanitarian organizations that focus on relieving hunger and homelessness.
Although Hunger Cleanup is a nationally recognized fund-raiser, the University’s affiliate will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year on Saturday, March 29. The slogan is “20 for the 20th,” in reference to the request that participants each raise $20 for the event.
According to Meghan Shea ’08, who has participated in the event since her freshman year, she and others have set a goal to raise $10,000 or more, which would be the largest amount raised in seven years.
“The impact of the Cleanup is felt year-round,” according to a statement on the Hunger Cleanup Web site. “This spring, we will continue to build upon the success of 2007 by involving 100 schools and hosting cleanups in some of the poorest communities in America, including Hartford, Conn.; Camden, N.J.; and St. Louis, Miss.”
Of the money raised, approximately 50 percent will go to local organizations. The University plans to donate funds to Family Literacy Project, the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and the Bridgeport Council of Churches.
Shea said she hopes to have more than 500 students sign up for the day’s activities, which include painting, gardening, minor construction and organizing.
The University’s Hunger Cleanup group has been recognized in the past for its impressive number of volunteers.
“The Fairfield Hunger Cleanup efforts have been recognized by the sponsoring Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness eight times as the Gold Medal Outstanding Campaign in the country against competing schools – once as the Silver Medal recipient, twice for most participants,” said Carolyn Rusiackas, co-adviser for 20th Annual Hunger Cleanup and associate University chaplain.
Besides volunteerism, Hunger Cleanup promotes a sense of community among Fairfield students, faculty and town residents.
“I think it is really rewarding on the day of [the event],” said Shea. “I think it’s amazing to see 500 students wake up early on a Saturday, meet at Alumni Hall and go volunteer.”
At the culmination of the day, participants will return to campus and meet at the Levee for food and prizes, all with donations from local businesses.
“It’s a great way to hang out with your friends while helping people in need who are some of the most grateful and generous individuals you will meet,” said DeBrincat.
For more information or to sign up to participate in the event, go to the Hunger Cleanup table in the BCC now through March 19. You can also send an e-mail to fairfieldhungercleanup@gmail.com, or check out HungerCleanUp.org
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