Annual Event: 13th Build Day Held by Worcester's Employees
In the heart of Worcester, Massachusetts, College of the Holy Cross students are making a significant impact through community service. One such initiative is Working for Worcester, a student-led organisation established 13 years ago by Jeff Reppucci and Derek Kump, both former Holy Cross juniors.
The organisation's mission is to connect college students with local volunteer opportunities, fostering community engagement and supporting local non-profit organisations. Over the years, Working for Worcester has grown into a bridge between the college community and the city, promoting civic responsibility among students and addressing community needs through sustained volunteer efforts.
One of the most notable events organised by Working for Worcester is the annual Build Day. This year, the 13th annual Build Day took place on April 5, 2020, and saw the participation of over 1,200 volunteers, including Worcester residents and college students from across seven local colleges.
The Build Day event resulted in the creation of new playgrounds, murals, and a cleaner Worcester. Holy Cross students took the lead this year, with the entire Managing Team for the event being composed of Holy Cross students. Moreover, students from the Global Montserrat Cluster collaborated with Rice Square Elementary School sixth-graders to create art, further strengthening the bond between the college and the community.
The stArt on the Street Festival, an electric crowd event held on Park Avenue, showcases Worcester's culturally rich identity through music, dance, and art. Over the past 12 years, this festival has raised over 2.4 million dollars, which has been given back to the Worcester community. Approximately 30 local businesses are involved in the process, making it a true community event.
For new students or those hesitant to explore, venturing off campus can be a daunting task. However, events like the stArt on the Street Festival and the Build Day event offer a great opportunity to engage with the local community, discover the vibrant culture of Worcester, and make a positive impact.
Professor Gwenn Miller, who first encountered "TapeArt" in a specific year, plays a crucial role in these events. Site managers, a collection of about 100 volunteers who apply for the position in November, lead around 50 members of the community at their assigned location. These dedicated volunteers ensure that the events run smoothly and that the community benefits maximally from the efforts of the volunteers.
While the exact history and impact of Working for Worcester cannot be detailed here due to a lack of specific search results, it is clear that this organisation has made a significant difference in the lives of Worcester residents and Holy Cross students alike. For a fully sourced and detailed report, further specific research or access to local Holy Cross or Worcester community archives would be necessary.
- College of the Holy Cross students, through their participation in events like the stART on the Street Festival and Working for Worcester's annual Build Day, are fostering education-and-self-development by engaging with the local community and promoting Worcester's vibrant culture.
- Working for Worcester, a student-led organization on the College of the Holy Cross campus, has grown into an essential bridge between the college and the city, connecting students with local volunteer opportunities, supporting local non-profit organizations, and addressing community needs.
- By joining Working for Worcester or events like the Build Day, students can contribute to news stories that highlight their commitment to community service and civic responsibility, making a significant impact in Worcester and strengthening the bond between the college and the city.
