Over 40 students and staff volunteered to pack meal kits for those in need during this year's Day of Service event, facilitated by the Cal Poly Pomona Center for Community Engagement (CCE).

Bryant Fairley, the interim director for CCE, reported that volunteers packed over 250,000 meal kits during the event, held on September 11.

According to the CCE website, "The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day), is a chance to help others in tribute to those killed and injured on September 11, 2001, first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation's freedom at home and around the globe."

The service project involved coordinating with local leaders and corporate participants in packing meal kits for distribution in the Los Angeles Area. Students were tasked with creating an efficient line and assembling components of the kits as a team.

"Bronco Stampedes of Service offers fun ways to connect with others through fun filled and meaningful volunteer experiences," Fairley said, "CPP students led the human resources teams from the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and the LA Rams Marketing Division in completing the service project, showcasing their leadership skills and providing them with an opportunity to network with local leaders."

The participating students found Day of Service to be rewarding and inspiring.

"My favorite part of the event was working and guiding new people to create meals for homeless Angelenos; it was really satisfying seeing how efficient your group's production line and progress was." Project Coordinator for NSF I-Corps Judy Ngyuen said.

Josue Ruiz, web developer for Academic Innovation, encouraged other Broncos to participate in future volunteer opportunities.

"What I found in experiences like these is that you come to reflect on who you are, where you come from, and why it's important to give back to your community," Ruiz said.

Upcoming National Days of Service that the CCE commemorates include:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Jan. 17
• Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning, March 31
• National Volunteer Week, April 18-24

Students, faculty, and staff interested in volunteering for opportunities with the Bronco Stampedes of Service or other CCE volunteering events may visit CCE's website, Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter for more information.