As the holiday season unfolds, Davenport campuses across Michigan are embracing the spirit of giving through a variety of community-focused initiatives. From food drives to toy collections and volunteer events, students, faculty, and staff are coming together to make a difference for individuals and families in need.

Lansing Campus: supporting local families

The Lansing Campus is hosting two impactful initiatives this holiday season. The week before exams, students completed a volunteer service project as part of campus stress busters activities where they decorated personal hygiene bags for the Helping Women Period, a Michigan nonprofit organization.  

Additionally, Lansing Student Life is sponsoring an Adopt a Family holiday charity drive. They are asking Lansing campus faculty, staff and students to consider helping two local families currently residing at Haven House, a shelter that provides emergency housing and support services for single-parent and two-parent families with children. Haven House is currently the only family homeless shelter in the area. Those interested are encouraged to take an ornament from the tree in the Atrium, then purchase and drop off the items at the Lansing Campus front desk. Items range from clothing and blankets to Legos, Hot Wheels and Paw Patrol toys.

Great Lakes Bay Campus: spreading holiday cheer

The Great Lakes Bay Campus recently wrapped up a successful Toys for Tots toy drive, ensuring that children in the area will have gifts to open this holiday season. The drive brought together campus community members in a collective effort to bring joy and smiles to families during this special time of year.

W.A. Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus: giving back through service

The Grand Rapids Lettinga Campus has been equally active, completing a Winter Clothing Drive on December 14 to support Mel Trotter Ministries, a nonprofit battling hunger and homelessness in the Grand Rapids area. In addition, the campus hosted its annual Feeding America West Michigan volunteer event, which was a resounding success.

Students from the Biological Laboratory Science (BLS) program and the Health and Science Pre-Professional Organization (HSPPO) played a leading role in this year’s Feeding America event. The event was organized by HSPPO officers and gave students a chance to engage in meaningful community service. Volunteers worked together to prepare prepackaged food, supporting Feeding America’s mission to combat hunger and serve families in need throughout the region.

Dan Palmatier, HSPPO’s faculty advisor, participated alongside the students and emphasized the importance of such experiences. “These opportunities not only help students meet professional school volunteer requirements but also contribute to their personal growth, character development, and a spirit of service,” he said.

The event reflects Davenport University’s broader mission and the values of the BLS program and HSPPO: to prepare students for professional success while encouraging meaningful contributions to society. For the students involved, the experience was more than just a volunteer opportunity—it was a chance to make a tangible impact and grow as individuals.

The true meaning of the season

Across its campuses, Davenport University demonstrates that the holiday season is more than just a celebration; it’s about giving back and fostering a sense of community. As the year comes to a close, the efforts of Davenport’s campuses remind us all of the power of generosity and the joy that comes from helping others.