Impackt: Capstone Project

The Impackt volunteering event was held on October 29, 2016 from 9AM to 12PM. This Capstone Project, organized and led by senior Heather McDonnell, involved volunteers sorting and packing donated personal care items for the CARITAS homeless shelter in Richmond. The CARITAS organization works to help end the cycle of homelessness in the Metro Richmond area through many services and resources.

Volunteers were first sorted into two groups, with group one focusing on sorting and packing towels, pillows, blankets, and sheets, while group two packed toiletries, diapers, ponchos, and wipes. The donated items were sorted by type of item, packed into cardboard boxes, then put in a large trailer by volunteers to be transported to the shelter.

The Impackt volunteering event had a fun environment in which volunteers worked to pack donated items while also talking with friends and meeting new people ranging in ages from middle school to senior citizens. This project gave volunteers the chance to not only participate in a project that helped homeless individuals, but also realize how their personal volunteering actions can positively impact the community.

Over 500 items with a value of more than $2500 total were donated to the wonderful CARITAS shelter to aide in the efforts by the organization to create change for struggling individuals in the Richmond area. Thank you, Heather McDonnell!