Hundreds of Union students will spread out across Schenectady and the surrounding region Saturday, Oct. 8, for the College’s biggest single day of community service.
Representing Greek life, athletics, clubs and organizations, the 350 students will be joined by faculty, alumni and others to clean up parks and public spaces and provide other help as needed.
Started in 1996, the event has been known as John Calvin Toll Day since 2001. It is coordinated by the College’s Kenney Community Center.
“We are so excited to continue the annual tradition of John Calvin Toll Day,” said Janet Sweeney, director of community outreach. “The day strengthens Union’s commitment to the city through these service opportunities, and we are proud to participate.”
Groups will operate in two shifts, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 2 to 4 p.m.
Among the organizations or places volunteers will visit:
- City Mission
- COCOA House
- Fehr Avenue Farm
- Hulett Street Farm
- Joan Nicole Prince Home
- Kelly Adirondack Center
- Miracle on Craig Street
- Mohawk Hudson Bike Path
- Patroon Land Farm
- South Avenue Park
- Vale Urban Farm
- Woodlawn Preserve
John Calvin Toll was a member of Union’s first graduating class in 1799. Toll was the great-great-grandfather of Al Hill ’46, a retired attorney from Buffalo who died in 2007.
The community service project is supported by a gift from Hill and his wife, Perrie. The Hills created the fund to encourage Union students to undertake volunteer service.
“We believe that the experiences from this activity will carry over beyond graduation and enrich not only those they serve but also the volunteers,” said Hill in announcing the gift.
