Archives
UB continues Day of Caring tradition
By DONNA LONGENECKER
Reporter Assistant Editor
The nearly 170 UB volunteers who signed up for this year's Day of Caring for the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA) didn't have to work in the rain, as many might have feared. Hazy sunshine and temperatures in the mid-'80s provided the ideal backdrop yesterday for the 11th annual event, in which UB faculty and staff were sent to a variety of sites around Buffalo to perform tasks ranging from cleaning up trash and beautifying lawns and gardens to ferrying a group of young children to the Buffalo Zoo for the morning.
Antónia Monteiro, assistant professor of biological sciences, helps paint the school cafeteria of St. Joseph's University Parish Church during Day of Caring yesterday.
PHOTO: DONNA LONGENECKER
President William R. Greiner spoke to the volunteers about the importance of the university's commitment to the region after they returned to the South Campus from their various projects around the city. He noted that Day of Caring has become a major kick-off event for the academic year.
"Some say UB is the most important institution in the region—we won't argue with that. For us to get out into the community speaks volumes to the vitality of our part in the community and our commitment to others. When we help the community, we help our own family," said Greiner.
Carol Greiner, who had thanked volunteers for their participation earlier in the day as they picked up their assignments, a cup of coffee and a bagel, told the Reporter that she hopes her husband will be remembered for what he did to bring the university and the community together, in part through the Day of Caring.
"The relationship between UB and the community has improved since he's been president, but he doesn't do it alone," said Mrs. Greiner. "I can't think of a better way for that to happen than the Day of Caring. It brings such good will to our university community."
Among the sites visited by volunteers included Women for Human Rights and Dignity, the Moot Senior Center and other locations in and around the University Heights and Fruitbelt neighborhoods.
Michele Bewley, assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and the SEFA liaison for CAS, said it's been a privilege to be a part of the annual event. Bewley helped paint the school cafeteria of St. Joseph's University Parish Church, adjacent to the South Campus.
"It's a reality check about the needs of your community. It's humbling. You feel more a part of humanity than when you're just sitting in your cubicle," she said.
Noted Sister Genevieve Efthemis of St. Joseph's Church: "It's good to see people serving here. It builds relationships and shows us other people care." She added that St. Joseph has enjoyed a long, positive relationship with the university.
Julie Klas, staff assistant in the Office of the President and one of the organizers for this year's Day of Caring, pointed out that area merchants are very supportive and contribute a great deal to the event. "Our theme this year is 'Our Community in Your Hands'—we want to reach out to the community surrounding the university. It's something we can feel very good about doing," Klas said.
Another volunteer, Kathleen Weaver, communications director for the Research Institute on Addictions, said that after having worked at United Way agencies for years before joining the staff at UB, it was great to be on the other side, "giving instead of receiving."
Tim Stegner, a production designer in the Office of Creative Services, explained that participating in Day of Caring raises awareness of the number and variety of human services organizations in the area.
"There needs to be more days of caring—it needs to extend to the other 364 days of the year. Day of Caring introduces us to these organizations, and then we need to find out how we can reach out and get involved with them in our spare time," said Stegner, who helped strip and weatherize a deck at a site run by Women for Human Rights and Dignity, an agency committed to the empowerment of incarcerated, homeless and marginalized women through education and job training.
He also noted that during the two years he has participated in Day of Caring, the human services agencies where he volunteered provided ample information about the services they provide, making volunteering beyond Day of Caring that much easier.