Students collect over 40 pounds of tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities
This fall, students enrolled in SEARCH Seminar classes with Professor Kayla Landers participated in a service-learning project focused on collecting soda can tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). RMHC is a nonprofit organization that provides a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving medical care far from home. Through the project, students were challenged to combine service, community engagement, and promotion in support of a meaningful cause.
As part of the assignment, students were responsible for personally collecting soda tabs, encouraging friends and family to contribute, and promoting the initiative to others on campus. The class goal was to collect 20 pounds of soda tabs; however, Section 11 exceeded expectations by collecting just over 40 pounds.
“Over the course of collecting soda tabs, I came to realize how a small action can have a significant impact,” said Cassidy O'Donnell, a student in the class. “It made me feel good knowing I was making a positive impact simply by collecting tabs. I started by reaching out to friends and family, and then they reached out to others. It became a domino effect.”
The service project aligns closely with the mission of the SEARCH Seminar, a required first-year course designed to promote academic success, personal growth, and community engagement. Rooted in Alvernia University’s Franciscan heritage, SEARCH emphasizes ethical leadership, responsibility to others, and the importance of contributing to justice and good in the world. Through hands-on service learning, students are encouraged to draw connections between classroom learning and real-world experiences.
“Collecting soda can tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House shows how small actions can make a real difference for families in need,” said first-year student, Anthony Piccininno. “It reminds us that service is about coming together as a community to support others beyond ourselves.”
Beyond meeting the collection goal, the project fostered a sense of community both within and beyond the classroom. Many students engaged others across campus, while some extended the effort to their families and hometown communities. The experience reinforced the idea that service is most impactful when people work together toward a shared purpose.
Students and community members interested in contributing can find collection cups located around campus, including the Kestrel Café, Franco Library, and Starbucks, or contact Professor Landers directly.
"Overall, I found so much joy and light in helping with this service project as it is a reminder to be a leader to make a difference for families,” first-year student, Sarina Neiswender said. “It makes me reflect on why service matters so much to Alvernia because we are a community and through doing service as a team makes connections and impacts the Alvernia community."
