Every year, Syracuse University students positively impact Central New York through community-engaged learning and volunteer service. This is especially true for students participating in First Year Seminar (FYS), a required one-credit course for all first-year and transfer students. FYS program staff work with several local organizations each year to find opportunities for students to volunteer, help people in the region and form positive community connections.
Jimmy Luckman, FYS associate director, has worked with the Rescue Mission Alliance for the past three years. This fall, FYS 101 student volunteers compiled 480 winter-care packages of warm clothing, snacks and personal care items for Rescue Mission clients. FYS 101 lead instructors and peer leaders also helped package meals for the organization’s annual Thanksgiving dinner, which is open to anyone in need.
As a result of that relationship, leaders from the Rescue Mission invited Luckman and FYS students to participate in this year’s donation drive, “Movie With a Mission,” on Sunday, Dec. 8. Luckman will appear as an on-air telethon guest between 12:30 and 12:50 p.m. He’ll talk about the purpose of FYS, the University’s partnership with the Rescue Mission and how the organizations work together to help community members while providing positive experiences for students. He and some student volunteers were also invited to answer telethon phones to receive viewer pledges.
Jimmy Luckman
The ability to help others through community volunteerism resonates with students, Luckman says. He believes the Rescue Mission’s motto, “Put Love Into Action,” reflects how students can see the immediate impact of their efforts.
“Our lead instructors and peer leaders have love for our campus and the local community. They recognize that helping people who need emergency shelter, housing, clothing, food, employment, educational resources and connections to other services—which the Rescue Mission provides—is a transformational experience that creates positive change within the community we love. As part of their exploration of the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), working in the community provides tangible experiences [that connect] to what we discuss in class,” Luckman says. “Volunteering is a tool that creates connections to help make Syracuse home and to actively engage in DEIA work outside of the classroom. We’re happy to have this relationship with the Rescue Mission and to work with several other local organizations to help make a difference in the community.”
“Movie With a Mission,” now in its 35th year, will air from noon to 3 p.m. on News Channel 9. The telethon features the 1935 movie classic, “Scrooge.” The fundraising goal is $85,000, and pledges can be made by calling 315.446.9999. Gifts made before and during the program will be matched by community sponsors.
