Fresno State’s Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning will host the fourth annual Bud Richter Week of Service, uniting students, faculty and community members in addressing crucial local issues. From Nov. 2-9, volunteers will engage in targeted service events aimed at bolstering environmental sustainability, supporting underserved populations and fostering community resilience across Fresno.
During this week-long series, volunteers will participate in a diverse range of hands-on initiatives that provide both immediate benefits to the community and long-term support for vulnerable populations. Highlights include:
- Firewise Demonstration and Native Pollinator Garden Workday
Nov. 2, 8 a.m.-noon
In partnership with the Sierra Resource Conservation District, volunteers will build a Firewise Demonstration Garden to promote wildfire preparedness and plant a pollinator habitat to support monarch butterflies. - Cleanup at Fresno Discovery Center
Nov. 2, 9 a.m.-noon
Volunteers will clean exhibits, pull weeds and tidy the pond area at this educational center, fostering an engaging and clean environment for visitors. - Terry’s House Service Days
Nov. 3-8
Volunteers will assist with housekeeping, patio/balcony upkeep and garden maintenance at Terry’s House, a respite home supporting patients’ families at Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno. - Poverello House Service Days
Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Nov. 8, 2-6 p.m.
Volunteers will organize clothing donations, serve meals and assemble hygiene kits to support the community’s homeless population at the Poverello House. - Catholic Charities Food Pantry Assistance
Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-noon and Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-noon
Volunteers will help distribute food and maintain the Catholic Charities facilities, enhancing the organization’s food security efforts for local families. - November Blood Drive Preparation Day
Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m.
Volunteers will create promotional materials, write thank-you cards, and prepare social media content to encourage blood donations on campus. - Fall Learning Enrichment Day Camp
Nov. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hosted by Boys 2 Men Girls 2 Women, this camp for at-risk youth features motivational workshops, arts and recreational activities, aiming to inspire and connect youth with positive role models. - Love-An-Alley Day
Nov. 9, 9-11 a.m.
Volunteers will beautify alleys in central Fresno by picking up litter and clearing weeds, supporting Beautify Fresno’s ongoing efforts to create cleaner neighborhoods. - Plant a Winter Garden at Dakota EcoGarden
Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-noon
Volunteers will join Dakota EcoGarden residents to plant a winter garden, fostering food security for Fresno’s homeless community. - Don Romsa Day of Service Food Distribution
Nov. 9, 8-11:30 a.m.
In partnership with Bulldog Pantry, volunteers will distribute food, assist families and help carry items to cars, supporting local families in need. - Stone Soup Youth Engagement
Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Volunteers will facilitate STEAM activities for second to sixth graders at the Stone Soup Center, encouraging interest in science and technology among youth. - Veterans Home Groundskeeping Day
Nov. 9, 7:30 a.m.-noon
Volunteers will assist with maintaining the grounds of the Veterans Home of California, providing a clean, serene space in honor of Veterans Day.
“With a multitude of service opportunities across different sectors, the Bud Richter Week of Service stands as a powerful reminder of Fresno State’s commitment to impactful community engagement. Each event offers Fresno State students and community members a chance to make a tangible difference and carry forward the Richters’ legacy of kindness and service,” said special projects coordinator Kayla Ferreira.
For more details, contact Kayla Ferreira at kferreira@csufresno.edu or 559-278-2339.
(Story by Celeste Jones)
