CSM Day of Service Inspires Support for Regional Nonprofits

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) hosted its third annual Day of Service to bring hands-on help to nearly a dozen local nonprofit organizations.

More than 120 students, staff, faculty, and board members spread out through Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties to support 11 different organizations. Volunteers spent the day meeting a wide range of needs, from gardening and cleaning to food distribution and digital strategy support.

The Day of Service began March 27, 2024, as part of the inauguration events for CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. She opened the day thanking participants for being a part of the events’ growth, for showing up with purpose, and devoting their time and talent to support local organizations.

“Your work and your selfless acts today reflect the heart and breath of our mission in action,” Dr. Wilson said. “This is more than volunteering. It’s about building community, creating connections, and stepping outside of our daily routines and into the lives and work of our neighbors across Southern Maryland.”

Several volunteers helped to support Spring Dell Center. The organization assists adults with disabilities achieve their highest level of independence. The center provides transportation assistance, programs for building social, communication, and life skills, employment opportunities, and other support services.

Volunteers worked to rebuild a fence, fill and repair garden beds, clean out and organize the donation sheds, and join clients to paint new artwork to bring more vibrancy to the facility.

Betty Garner, Community Employment Coordinator at Spring Dell Center, spoke about the powerful impact gardens can have on the individuals they support, and with CSM’s volunteers, that impact continues to grow.

“A garden is an amazing place to come together to share a sense of accomplishment,” Garner said. “For the people we support at Spring Dell Center and those in charge of the garden, this support was huge. It is an amazing thing to watch their faces when they see what they planted turn into something they can harvest and eat.”

CSM supports local organizations throughout the year through the Nonprofit Institute, which provides professional development, networking, and consultations for organizational support. More information about how to get involved is available on the Nonprofit Institute webpage.