For 24 University Honors Program students, fall break at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was about more than time away from the classroom. It was an opportunity to give back, build friendships and make a difference in the Kansas City community through service with three local nonprofits.
The University Honors Program established the annual fall break service tradition to give students opportunities to explore new communities, build friendships and assist others.
This year, students volunteered with three nonprofits in the Kansas City area. After departing Lincoln on the morning of Oct. 19, they began their service with Lead to Read KC, an organization that works to build reading skills and inspire a love of reading among young people.
“We sorted and prepared books so Lead to Read KC can provide children with reading materials,” said Derek Morrison, a second-year civil engineering major. “We got through so many books, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to help with their mission.”
That work will help put books into the hands of children across the Kansas City area, said Rhea LeGrande, executive director of Lead to Read KC.
“Every book packed and sorted will be distributed out across 100 community locations, giving children access to great books that they might otherwise not have had. We know that access to a great book is one of the essential steps in becoming a great reader.”
In the afternoon, students volunteered at the Jewish Family Services Food Pantry, a nonprofit that distributes food to families in need throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Ross Glazner, the organization’s warehouse coordinator, said students helped organize a warehouse to be more efficient and sorted donations from the group's largest food drive.
"This will assist us in increasing our support of the Kansas City community by providing food to those experiencing food insecurity,” Glazner said.
Rachel Gubbels, a first-year psychology and biological sciences major, was among the Huskers who helped organize donations so food could reach families in need.
"It was amazing to see how much impact our group had," Gubbels said.
In the evening, students explored downtown Kansas City and enjoyed dinner in small groups. In a city known for its barbecue, fountains and jazz, the Huskers found plenty of ways to enjoy their time together. One of their favorite discoveries was a milkshake bar.
On Oct. 20, students began the day at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium for a final round of volunteering. A student favorite from last year’s trip, the zoo welcomed University Honors Program students back to help its horticulture team with landscaping. Students also took photos with elephants and giraffes.
“Volunteering at the zoo was an incredible opportunity,” said Bianca Iannetta, a senior data science and computer engineering major. "It was amazing to see all of the effort behind the scenes to keep the zoo safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Although the trip was short, its impact extended beyond the Kansas City community. Students returned to Lincoln with new friendships and a renewed commitment to service, bringing home lessons they could apply in their own community.
“The service trip has inspired me to become more involved in the Lincoln community,” said Marsha Akula, a first-year microbiology and pre-med student. “It has also encouraged me not only to volunteer but to also talk about the importance of service in my community.”
