Fairfield University students prepare for their 21st Annual Hunger Cleanup | Press Releases

On Saturday, April 4, Fairfield University students will take part in their 21st Annual Hunger Cleanup, the single largest one-day service project at Fairfield University. Volunteers will begin work at 9:30 a.m. at various nonprofit sites in Bridgeport and surrounding towns including Norwalk and Westport.

Over the last 21 years, Hunger Cleanup has become a Fairfield tradition and continues to grow and become more successful with each year. The board, made up of students who have previously participated in Hunger Cleanup, is working diligently in fundraising and recruiting students, faculty, staff and friends to participate in this day of service.

"We are expecting to have about 500 volunteers participate. We hope to raise over $10,000 and we are working on getting over 50 worksites to accommodate all our volunteers," said Ashley Williams, co-chair of Hunger Cleanup and a senior at Fairfield.

The goal of the event is to help the homeless and the community through education. Each work site is carefully selected and must offer educational programs, to which the remainder of the funds raised is donated. Worksites vary in terms of size and duties, ranging from large-scale projects such as a beach and park cleanupss to smaller group projects such as organizing shelters and soup kitchens or painting. Some of this year's work sites include the East End Community Center and Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport, the Mohonk Children's Home and Project Return in Westport, and the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in Southport.

Co-chair Brittney Strickland, also a senior at Fairfield, says Hunger Cleanup is a great way for students to become involved in the surrounding community. "We often forget about our surroundings when we are in class, at the gym, studying or out with friends, but on the day of Hunger Cleanup all volunteers take pride in helping the community and making a difference."

All are welcome to help, either by volunteering or making a donation. Those who are interested may contact Campus Ministry, (203) 254-4000, ext. 3405.