Center for Community Engagement Honors 9/11 with Day of Service
The Cal Poly Pomona community came together for the 9/11 Day of Service on Saturday, Sept 6, marking a significant effort to transform a day of national tragedy into one of giving back. Originally expecting around 25 volunteers, the overwhelming interest led organizers to expand the event to two locations, bringing together nearly 50 volunteers. The day of service, hosted by the Center for Community Engagement in partnership with the Career Center, took place at Shepherd’s Pantry sites in both Irwindale and Glendora, an organization that provides food, clothing and other resources to Los Angeles County residents in need.
With September 11 designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, this event gave the opportunity for the Cal Poly Pomona community to honor the lives lost and the bravery of first responders. The Center for Community Engagement led the volunteer efforts ensuring that the day was one of service and compassion. By taking part in activities like sorting donations and cleaning community spaces, volunteers reflected on the impact of service, coming together to make a tangible difference in their community.
The partnership with Shepherd’s Pantry started last spring through Professor Kang Sung’s Public Relations Campaigns communications class.
“We chose Shepherd’s Pantry because of its incredible work providing essential resources to those in need across Los Angeles County,” said Lauren Bernal, Engaged Learning Coordinator for the Center for Community Engagement. “Our collaboration helps to address food insecurity, an issue that resonates with many in our community.”
Volunteers engaged in a variety of tasks to support the Shepherd’s Pantry’s missions, from sorting food donations to cleaning spaces in preparation for their weekly food distribution.
“Volunteering at Shepherd’s Pantry gave me a strong sense of community and purpose. It was rewarding to give back to Irwindale and connect with classmates and alumni, and the experience has motivated me to continue volunteering on behalf of Cal Poly Pomona,” said Jason Kanarsh, a third-year computer information systems student.
Penny Pitts, site manager at the Irwindale location, expressed her gratitude for the volunteers emphasizing that Shepherd’s Pantry wouldn’t be able to function without the help of the community. Greg Davis, also from Shepherd’s Pantry, shared that the concept of “other centeredness” is at the heart of their mission, underscoring the need for compassion to sustain the community.
The event was made possible through the partnership with the Career Center, who provided lunch for the volunteers and highlighted the value of including volunteer work on resumes.
This volunteer experience presented a great opportunity to stand out to future employers. Director of the Career Center, Tracee Passeggi, emphasized that “community engagement is highly valued by employers, and volunteer work showcases critical career-readiness skills like teamwork, leadership, and compassion.”
For more information about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit the Center for Community Engagement website, follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn, or contact them directly at cce@cpp.edu.