Saint Francis will celebrate its 14th annual “Reaching Every Door” Day next Tuesday, Oct. 7.
RED Day’s primary objective is to encourage students to take pride in their community and give back to those around them.
RED Day activities will be taking place throughout the Altoona-Johnstown region, with SFU students, faculty and staff members visiting community centers, family homes and small businesses to offer a helping hand.
Meghan DeFrancesco, who serves as Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development at Saint Francis, is one of the coordinators of RED Day activities.
DeFrancesco said she enjoys organizing an initiative that provides students the opportunity “to give back to the community that supports us while making a difference in their lives.”
Classes at the University will follow a compressed schedule next Tuesday to create time for students to participate in RED Day activities.
The act of community service and giving to those in need is a major part of Franciscan theology.
“SFU’s mission focuses on a heart for service, and RED Day gives our students the opportunity to live this mission,” said DeFrancesco.
Students are provided opportunities to lend a helping hand through their teams, clubs and organizations.
Gavin Ross and Matt Hargittai will be working with fellow members of the Chemistry Club to clean up trash on Manor Drive between Loretto and Ebensburg.
Hargittai, a senior Chemistry major, is excited to participate in his third year of RED Day service.
“Giving students a dedicated time to do service gives them insight into the importance of helping those in need,” said Hargittai.
Ross is also looking forward to next week’s day of service.
“I think RED Day is a great opportunity for students to get out in the community and help those in need,” said the junior Chemistry major.
“It gives me the chance to step away from the lab and make an impact. In chemistry, we do the majority of our work behind the scenes, but during RED Day we get to work hands-on with our peers.
“RED Day benefits us all. We help our community, and their support of our University helps us right back.”
