Reaching Every Door (RED) Day – the University’s annual day of service – was celebrated on Oct. 6. On this day each year, students, faculty and staff work together to serve the residents of Loretto, Cresson, Lilly, Ebensburg and Gallitzin in various ways.
The event is one that reminds the University community of the Franciscan values of service and humility.
The first-ever RED Day was held in October of 2011 and was called Project RED. The event was founded by 2013 SFU graduate Lauren Wingard.
Held in early October each year close to the date of the Feast of Saint Francis, volunteers take on projects such as painting, home repairs, gardening, landscaping, trail maintenance and litter clean-up.
Students have consistently assisted elderly residents living in nearby communities in various ways each RED Day.
“What makes me most proud is seeing students come together to serve others while
building genuine connections with our community members,” said Student Activities Events and Programming Coordinator Ashlee Mazurak.
“RED Day is much bigger than a single day of service,” said Mazurak. “It gives students an opportunity to recognize the impact they can have on their communities and the people within them.”
Members of the women’s soccer team helped to clean up around Valewood Farms – a family-owned dairy farm in Loretto – on RED Day earlier this month.
Regan Truxillo is a freshman on the women’s soccer team and a native of Fort Mill, South Carolina.
“It helped me see that the SFU community extends past the school and into the community, which is something I never would’ve thought we did,” said Truxillo.
Truxillo said that RED Day encouraged her to get more involved with her community back home.
Mazurak said the annual event takes months to plan. She helps to manage transportation, recruit volunteers, and find locations for students to volunteer.
“RED Day’s primary objective is to encourage students to take pride in their community
and give back to those around them,” she said.
“The goal is for RED Day to serve as a starting point for ongoing service and community engagement.”
