April is National Volunteer Month, and students at Stony Brook University are actively involved in supporting their communities. The Center for Service Learning and Community Service is celebrating these efforts by sharing stories of student volunteers. These narratives highlight the significant contributions students are making in their communities.
Alexander van Geuns and Shelly Gupta, both seniors, founded Wolfie’s Wardrobe. This initiative offers sustainable fashion to students by selling gently used clothing at $1 per item. Gupta said, “Being able to provide clothes at such a cheap price really helps lower waste. It’s about accessibility and reducing waste.” Proceeds benefit a Long Island charity, and the initiative has raised around $1,000 so far. van Geuns believes in seeking help and taking initiative, stating, “Ask for help...Take the first steps and see where it leads.”
The Pre-PA Club also engages in volunteer work, having participated this semester at the Sunshine Prevention Center. They also organized a costume drive, donating costumes and hosting a Halloween party for children at Help Suffolk. Emily Rewkowski, a junior, emphasizes the importance of an open mind and understanding in volunteering. The club’s efforts have brought joy to the children they assist.
The Student Blood Drive Committee hosts three blood drives each semester and has logged over 160 service hours during the fall of 2024. Zachary Don, the committee president, finds fulfillment in the experiences of donors, recalling a retired faculty member who has contributed for over two decades. The committee recently marked the 100,000th life saved since its start. For Don, the cause is personal due to his mother’s leukemia diagnosis. “Blood is not something that you could synthetically make, it is really 100% reliant on donors,” he explained.
Students interested in community service can visit the Center for Service Learning and Community Service or contact them for opportunities.