Excelsior College Celebrates 6th Annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week with Collect, Create, and Contribute Campaign

Albany, N.Y.Since 2016, Excelsior College has celebrated Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week in April to coincide with National Volunteer Week and shine a light on the people and causes that inspire us to serve. Volunteerism by College staff has continued for the past two years despite COVID-19, with drives and volunteering conducted from a distance. Last year, Excelsior College employees donated $2,800 to
14 nonprofit organizations to impact the community.

“Giving back is part of our Excelsior CARES culture by illustrating compassion with leadership from the heart and creating an environment of collaboration, teamwork, and empowerment,” stated Mark Howe, vice president of human resources. “Our employees look forward to our annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week as a culmination of their efforts throughout the year in service to the communities in which we live, work, and serve students. Employees work together to provide services, inspiration, and needed items and resources to impact the community in a positive way.”

This year, Excelsior College celebrates the 6th Annual Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week with a Create, Collect, and Contribute-themed campaign. Employees have created a total of 200 cards of kindness for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Unity House of Troy, and Albany Med Pediatric Units. The cards will be distributed as follows:

  • 50 cards supplied to Ronald McDonald House with 50 bags of supplies for families when they arrive. Since 1982, the Albany Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home — free of charge — for families with children facing serious medical issues.
  • 50 cards for Unity House to be distributed to the housing program, Domestic Violence Shelter, food pantry, and preschool program. Unity House assists those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with developmental delays. Unity House helps to achieve social justice in our community.
  • 100 cards to be delivered to Albany Med’s Pediatric Units in the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital.

In addition to the homemade cards of kindness, employees are donating items requested by the Ronald McDonald House and Unity House. During National Volunteer Week from April 19–23, employees have opportunities to contribute time by volunteering in person or at a distance on community projects at American Cancer Society, American Red Cross Eastern New York, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Northern Rivers, Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, and the Veterans Miracle Center.

By helping those in need and serving the underserved, our Excelsior Cares Volunteer Week’s Create, Collect, and Contribute projects will make impact on the local community.

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Media Contact Excelsior College:

Alicia Jacobs, ajacobs@excelsior.edu, 518-410-4624

ABOUT EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Excelsior College (excelsior.edu) is an accredited, not-for-profit online college focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. The college contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity. Learn more at excelsior.edu.