Each year, CRSM students embody our mission of being people for others by serving throughout our local community. So far this school year, students have completed over 530 hours of volunteer service through Campus Ministry’s outreach programs, partnering with local organizations that make a positive impact every day.
Students volunteer weekly or monthly at St. Anastasia’s Soup Kitchen, Big Brothers Big Sisters at Glen Flora Elementary School, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and Feed My Starving Children, among several other community partners. Many students also dedicate their weekends to additional service projects with local nonprofits and parish communities.
One of the highlights of the fall semester was the Holiday Meal Distribution hosted at CRSM on November 6. More than 75 students and staff came together to support over 750 families in our community. The event showcased the generosity, teamwork, and commitment to service that define the CRSM spirit.
For many of our students, these volunteer experiences are transformative and go far beyond required service hours.
Alejandra L. (Class of 2027) volunteers monthly at St. Anastasia’s Soup Kitchen. She shared that the experience brings her joy and a sense of connection. “It’s something I look forward to,” she said. “Serving meals and seeing people smile makes me feel connected to something bigger.”
Allison S. (Class of 2027) volunteers regularly at several sites and often serves two or three times a week. “I volunteer because I feel called to serve others,” she said. “Being able to see others be happy when serving them, maybe their first hot meal of the day, shows that small actions can make a huge difference. Even a smile or small talk while pouring food can brighten someone’s day, and that has a big impact on me.”
Allison also reflected on finding time for service. “As Father Corey reminded us at our first Mass this year, we will always be busy, but there is always time to help others.”
Through every act of service, both large and small, CRSM students continue to strengthen the bonds between our school and the wider community. Their work is a reminder that compassion, commitment, and faith in action are at the heart of who we are.