La Plata, MD, April 22, 2025 — Over 260 College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Hawks volunteered across Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties, aiding 29 nonprofit organizations during the second annual CSM Day of Service. The 265 participants, including students, faculty, staff, and board members, dedicated nearly 1,200 hours to 31 projects, from stocking food pantries to revitalizing community gardens.
The event marked a significant increase from last year’s inaugural Day of Service, which saw 150 volunteers contribute 450 hours. This year’s efforts supported diverse initiatives, such as setting up computer labs for youth programs and developing marketing plans for local charities. The expanded participation underscores CSM’s commitment to strengthening Southern Maryland’s nonprofit sector, which serves critical community needs.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson highlighted the initiative’s broader impact: “I truly believe that volunteering creates opportunities for collaboration and networking, skill building, leadership development, and establishing important social bonds and support systems.” She praised the volunteers’ contributions, stating, “From stocking food pantries to renewing gardens, from setting up computer labs to creating marketing plans, your presence … left a real, tangible impact throughout the community. Your willingness to give of your time, talent and heart is a beautiful reflection of your commitment to serving others and your desire to give back to a community that has given so much to us. Today, you made a difference.”
The Day of Service’s growth reflects CSM’s strategic focus on civic engagement. In June 2024, Wilson introduced a policy granting employees 16 hours of paid leave annually for community service. This initiative has encouraged greater staff involvement, with faculty and administrators joining students in hands-on projects. The policy has been lauded by local nonprofit leaders for fostering a culture of volunteerism.
Volunteers made measurable impacts across the tri-county area. In Charles County, a team restocked a food pantry, providing supplies for over 200 families. In St. Mary’s County, a garden renewal project enhanced access to fresh produce for low-income residents. Calvert County nonprofits benefited from upgraded facilities, including a computer lab for after-school programs. These efforts address pressing regional challenges, as demand for nonprofit services continues to rise in Southern Maryland.
The event also involved CSM’s Board of Trustees and CSM Foundation Board of Directors, who worked alongside students and staff. Their participation reinforced institutional support for community partnerships, fostering connections that may lead to sustained collaboration with local organizations. For students, the Day of Service offered practical experience. For example, business major Emily Carter developed a marketing plan for a nonprofit, gaining skills applicable to her career goals.
Faculty members emphasized the educational value of the initiative. Nursing instructor Laura Jenkins, who led a pantry-stocking team, noted that volunteering teaches students civic responsibility and teamwork, aligning with CSM’s mission to develop well-rounded leaders. The college, founded in 1958, has long prioritized community engagement as a core value.
Southern Maryland’s nonprofit sector, serving over 300,000 residents, relies heavily on volunteer support to meet growing demands. Events like the Day of Service alleviate strain on underfunded organizations, allowing them to focus on long-term objectives. The collective effort, as Wilson described, reflects gratitude for a region that has supported CSM for decades.
CSM plans to further expand the Day of Service, with potential plans to involve alumni in 2026. The initiative is seen as a cornerstone of the college’s community engagement strategy, aiming to deepen its role in Southern Maryland’s social and economic landscape.
