Staff and faculty from Saint Joseph’s College recently participated in a community service day, an annual event started by Sister Mary George O’Toole.

Five St. Joseph’s staff members packed food baskets and sorted toys at the Windham Food Pantry, which serves 3,500 individuals annually in Windham, and depends on donations. It relies heavily on volunteers, according to manager Madeline Roberts, the only paid employee.

“We have faithful volunteers who come every Monday and when school is in session we have many volunteers from St. Joseph’s College….Holly Sanborn is a very intricate part of our success around the holidays, providing us with enough students to make things go smoothly along with the many hours she also gives of her time.”

Faculty and staff also volunteered at the Preble Street Resource Center in Portland, Riding to the Top Stables in Windham, Camp Sunshine in Casco, Ledgewood Manor in Windham, and assisted local seniors around their homes with chores.

Sr. Mary George notes that College employees who participate in the service day activities get as much as they give. “No one returns without saying, ‘It was a wonderful experience.’ We have had many repeat performers over the six years.”