As part of Lehigh in Action, a week dedicated to service projects led by alumni across the country, a spirited group of eight Lehigh graduates came together to volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, Arizona. For Jacalyn (Smith) Askin ’75, the experience embodied Lehigh’s enduring mission and values.
“Lehigh in Action days are important, as they create opportunities for alumni to meet and also to work together on projects that are consistent with the university’s mission — service to others,” she says. “Our project at St. Mary’s Food Bank was particularly important given the changing economic environment facing our Arizona neighbors.”
The group’s task was to pack bread from rolling bakery carts into cardboard boxes to be distributed to food bank partners across the state. Although the assignment was new and roles were initially unclear, the team adapted quickly.
“After a few awkward moments of getting in each other’s way, we quickly got into a collaborative rhythm,” Askin shares. “Our team of 12 packed 616 boxes in the two-hour shift.” There were moments of learning and surprise as well.
One participant was astonished to learn that St. Mary’s Food Bank was the very first food bank in the world. For many, the day was as much about connection as it was about service.
“Several participants expressed interest in doing this again — perhaps same time, same place next year,” Askin notes.
To see the other projects during Lehigh in Action week, check out the gallery below.
Through shared effort and purpose, Lehigh alumni are continuing to make an impact — one project, one connection, one community at a time. If you are interested in hosting an event in your area, please reach out to Katie Hrubenak, associate director of volunteer engagement, Development and Alumni Relations.
In This Image: David Thomson ’83 ’84G ’13P ’18P coordinated a cleanup at the historic 1869 Luckenbach Mill in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In This Image: Jamie DeBonis Cloyd ’04G coordinated a group of alumni who cooked and served lunch to residents of the Family Houses at UC San Diego Health in La Jolla, California.
In This Image: Celia K. Williams ’15G coordinated a group who did landscaping cleanup work at Green Pond United Methodist Church in Easton, Pennsylvania.
In This Image: Deidre Martin ’06 coordinated beach cleanup on Long Beach Island in Beach Haven Terrace, New Jersey, and trash pickup in the Pebble Beach section of the Township of Ocean in Barnegat, New Jersey.
