The award-winning Fairfield University Hunger Cleanup program is taking on a new dimension by linking up with the first annual National Jesuit Alumni Service Initiative, a large-scale day of service, taking place Saturday, March 31. The public is also invited to take part in this effort, benefitting the Greater Bridgeport community.

Fairfield is among six institutions that are hosting National Jesuit Alumni Service Initiative service projects across the country, open to all Jesuit-educated alumni. The other leaders of this pilot project are Canisius College, Loyola University Chicago, Regis University, Seattle University, and The University of Scranton.

The initiative seeks to foster the ongoing formation of "men and women for others," that is at the heart of the Catholic and Jesuit mission of the 28 Jesuit college and universities in the United States.

Hunger Cleanup - now in its 24th year - brings together Fairfield University students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community friends. Those taking part are asked to gather at 9 a.m. on March 31, in the Barone Campus Center lower level. Participants will then spread out across the greater Bridgeport area, working in community agencies, parks and beaches to do cleanups, painting, planting, clearing brush and more. Families are welcome. Following the event, refreshments will be provided back on campus, complete with entertainment and raffle prizes. Please register in advance by visiting their website .

"This year our goal is to recruit 750 participants and raise $11,000," said Wylie Blake, campus minister for community outreach. "As an educational institution with the belief that an education helps to raise one's standard of living and ability to be self-sufficient and self-sustaining, the money we raise goes to educational programs for the clients of the community agencies we serve to help them achieve this goal."

Hunger Cleanup is a student-led club that raises money and awareness for organizations working to end hunger and homelessness while educating people about what they can do to help. The event has won many national awards for their efforts over the years, receiving the Gold Medal for best Hunger Cleanup in the country eight times.

Students and alumni are also welcome to take part in a new service project this year benefitting Caroline House, a facility in Bridgeport offering educational programs for children from immigrant and low-income households. A walk-a-thon will take place on the Fairfield University track, on Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. If you need additional info about this event, please contact westportlady@aol.com .

For more information about Fairfield, visit www.fairfield.edu .

Posted On: 03-20-2012 11:03 AM

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