Hofstra students participate in annual Shake-a-Rake community cleanup program. // Photo courtesy of University Relations.

Students representing dozens of Hofstra’s student organizations spent the day raking leaves in the Hempstead area on Sunday, Sept. 13, as part of the 12th annual Shake-a-Rake community cleanup program benefiting people with disabilities and the elderly. Wielding rakes and gloves, students carpooled to assigned locations in Hempstead and Uniondale with other members of their organizations to rake leaves for local residents.

“I really like the volunteering aspect [of the event] and contributing to my community with my friends,” said Stephanie Hallahan, a sophomore speech pathology major. “I enjoy giving back, especially in an area that has been so heavily impacted by COVID-19.”

Samantha Senra, a junior industrial engineering major and the president of club volleyball, stressed the power of strength in numbers when helping the community. 

“My favorite part of Shake-a-Rake is how it brings the community together to support a good cause,” Senra said. “It’s very important, especially as a leader of a large club with the capacity to make a pretty good dent and help the community out in a positive way. I really value that, and this experience has shown that not only can everyone give back, but everyone has a good time doing it.”

Even though the primary focus of the Shake-a-Rake event was to serve the community, it also served as an opportunity for students to bond with their fellow club members outside of meetings and practices. To Logan Verderosa, a sophomore speech and hearing sciences major,  it was a win-win situation. 

“I really liked coming with my friends and hanging out and having a good time while still getting the work done,” Verderosa said.

Verderosa also stressed the importance of young people getting involved and helping others, especially given a large portion of the yards raked during the event were owned by elderly people, who are unable to do so themselves. “I like seeing other young people and college students getting out in the community to help out,” she said.

Kaitlyn Redican, a junior psychology major, pointed out that community service is a great way to remind students to pay it forward to those who may have fewer opportunities. “It is important, especially at a private institution where we have a lot of privilege, to connect with the local community and give back,” she said.