For Heritage Day, I participated in a Southside trash clean-up. I had a great time hanging out with my friends and the other members of The Comenian staff, and it truly feels like you’re making a difference when you walk back and see how much trash the entire group collected and how clean the streets feel after. Southside Arts District provided us with vests and water bottles, as well. 

Fatimah and I went to the Block Party afterward, which was a calming experience after a busy day as a Site Captain, and I loved the DIY sugar scrubs, essential oil rubs, and key chains. – Liz

I’m so glad I spent my last Heritage Day doing service work with The Comenian crew! I loved helping out the Southside Arts District and cleaning up the Southside Greenway. I’ve never done hands-on volunteering like that, so it was enlightening to help out the Bethlehem community in some way and make a difference alongside a pretty fun group of people! -Fatimah

For my first Heritage Day, I went to Last Chance Ranch outside of Quakertown. During my time there, my group helped with landscaping since their open house was happening that weekend. After each group finished their service, we got a tour of the ranch, and we got to meet animals such as horses, puppies, goats, sheep, cows, and even an emu! As a freshman, I got to experience what it was like to participate in Heritage Day, and I hope to continue during my next three years at Moravian. –Amanda

For Heritage Day this year, I went to The Salvation Army Children’s Services. I had always thought that the Salvation Army was solely a thrift store, but through this experience, I learned that they do so much more. Although their children’s services, foster care, and adoption program is small (and solely based in the Lehigh Valley), their efforts are mighty, hoping to find homes for all 3,000 children in PA who need them. We worked on making origami hearts for the adoption awareness event they are having in November. Through this experience, I learned so much, and I am so happy that I was fortunate enough to be a part of spreading awareness about adoption.  – Rose 

During Heritage Day, I volunteered at the Grace Community Foundation Food Bank in Allentown, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. At first, I chose it because there were enough spots for all of us, but once we started cleaning and organizing, I realized how much our help was truly needed. My favorite part was cleaning out the fridge; it was super satisfying to see it go from messy to organized. What made it even better was the people; I already knew most of my group, and our leaders were so positive that it made the time fly by. The director was also so kind and even gave us snacks, which made us feel appreciated. If I had to change anything, I’d say the food bank could definitely use more regular help so it doesn’t get so overwhelming. By the end, my perspective had shifted, as I realized it didn’t look that bad at first, but rearranging things showed me the bigger picture. I’d 100% volunteer there again. – Cat

On Heritage Day, I joined Liz, Fatimah, Adrian, and a few others for a trash cleanup. I enjoyed the experience of cleaning the walkways, natural landscape, and recreational spaces used by people and animals in our community. It truly feels good to see the difference before and after cleaning a public space, knowing that you’ve done your part in making a difference for the greater good. – Mo