Journal Home Page Spring 2014 All On the Commons

125th Celebration: Clinic Volunteers Surpass Goal in ‘1888 Challenge’

When Megan McCarthy, MS Occupational Therapy ‘14 and her fellow student and adult volunteers at the University’s Leahy Community Health and Family Center were challenged to come up with an idea to celebrate the 125th anniversary, they knew just what to do.

Leahy Center Student Advisory Board members and student volunteers who were essential participants in the 1888 Leahy Challenge.
Leahy Center Student Advisory Board members and student volunteers who were essential participants in the 1888 Leahy Challenge.

When Megan McCarthy, MS Occupational Therapy ‘14 and her fellow student and adult volunteers at the University’s Leahy Community Health and Family Center were challenged to come up with an idea to celebrate the 125th anniversary, they knew just what to do. As a way to honor Scranton’s Jesuit tradition, 138 student and community volunteers re-doubled their efforts to become men and women for others. They launched what they dubbed “1888 challenge.” In the fall semester, the volunteers meant to perform 1,888 hours of service in Leahy’s medical clinic and food pantry and during a Thanksgiving drive. Instead, they ended up giving 1,961. “I’ve volunteered at the clinic for five years,” McCarthy said. “I’ve never given this many hours before. Being immersed in this caring atmosphere, — serving others and reaching across cultural divides — has really enriched my education.” The volunteers are determined to repeat the feat in the spring semester.

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