The UNMC Student Senate and the UNMC/Nebraska Medicine Emerging Professionals Program (EPP) hosted their annual Volunteer Day last month.
Fifty students, faculty and staff gave back to the community by working with Keep Omaha Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, American Cancer Society-Hope Lodge, Siena/Francis House, Ronald McDonald House Charities and City Sprouts.
“I can’t think of a better way to start the spring season than by being of service to those in our community who need it most,” said Laura Vinson, EPP community engagement co-chair.
Volunteers helped beautify Elmwood Park by picking up litter and trash with Keep Omaha Beautiful in celebration of Omaha Earth Day. Others helped prepare garden beds at the Siena/Francis house, packaged Easter baskets for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, and cleaned and reorganized the Habitat ReStore building.
Volunteers said they appreciated getting to learn more about the participating organizations and how they are making a difference in the Omaha community. They also enjoyed having the opportunity to work alongside other UNMC/Nebraska Medicine staff, students and faculty, whom they normally wouldn’t interact with on a day-to-day basis.
On June 6, the EPP will host another volunteer opportunity when EPP members work with the Ronald McDonald House’s “Meals That Heal” program. That day will consist of a brief orientation, followed by an evening of preparing and serving a meal for the families at the Ronald McDonald House. For more information and to register, click here.