Students Volunteer During Alternative Winter Break Program

Students at Buffalo State kicked off their winter break by giving back to their community as part of the Alternative Winter Break program. It was held in mid-December, and the future Bengal alumni volunteered with several organizations, including the Salvation Army and Food Bank of WNY.

“I am so incredibly proud of the caliber of students that attend Buffalo State,” said Nick Mahoney, M.S. ’12, assistant director of Alumni Affairs. “These students took a week out of their winter break to give back to their community in a meaningful way,” he added. Mahoney served as a staff site leader for the program in Buffalo.

During the six-day program, participants lived at the Salvation Army, and bonded with one another. They shared experiences during daily reflections, and ended up forming friendships. Most of the students noted that it was one of their favorite experiences at Buffalo State so far.

Volunteer tasks included serving as Salvation Army kettle bell ringers, working with youth in an afterschool program, and organizing food that will be distributed to local food pantries for the Food Bank of WNY. The program proved to be eye-opening, as it reminded its participants of the importance of serving their community to enhance the lives of Buffalo’s diverse population.

Dr. Charles Kenyon, dean of students and associate vice president for Student Affairs at Buffalo State, stopped by the Food Bank of Western New York to thank the students for their service and learn about the Food Bank’s mission. (He's shown at right with Alternative Winter Break participants.)

The next Alternative Break program will be held during spring break in March 2015.

Originally posted: December 2014