Service to others is a defining element of Carroll College’s mission, and each year the Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice provides students with meaningful ways to live out that value. The first Service Saturday of the school year, held on October 4, brought together roughly 45 students and faculty members for a morning of hands-on volunteer work across the Helena community.
Participants began the day gathered on campus for prayer and a blessing from Fr. Tyler in honor of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi. After sharing muffins, coffee, and juice, students dispersed to eight different service sites around Helena, including Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Montana Supporting Military, Helena Food Share, Good Samaritan Thrift Store, Beehive Homes, Eagle Manor Assisted Living, Helena Pointe Assisted Living, and God’s Love homeless shelter.
At each site, students engaged in activities ranging from cleaning and organizing to writing cards, serving meals, and connecting with local residents. After two and a half hours of service, everyone returned to campus for a pizza party and reflection, sharing stories of connection, gratitude, and growth.
Many students described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“Im very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend Service Saturday. I grew closer to my Carroll community, as well as the Helena community. It was very life giving and I received so much in trying to give,” said Asher Casey (Montana Supporting Military).
"Service Saturday was truly an amazing experience! Seeing the gratitude expressed by those we served was incredible, and it inspired me to serve more in the future!" shared Amelia Cronk (Eagle Manor).
Grace Stecker, ASCC Class of 2028 Senator, reflected, "Service Saturday was an amazing experience and opportunity to go out into the community of Helena by taking time out of my time to do so. The member's of ASCC and myself went to Food Share and got to clean and organize the shelves, as well as get a tour of the building. As a whole, Food Share has done an amazing job providing to the Helena community."
"Service Saturday was a fantastic opportunity. I love that Carroll invites its students to serve in the wider Helena community," said Easton O’Guinn, ASCC Class of 2029 Senator.
"It was an incredible opportunity to be able to support the Helena Food Share and their efforts to maintain a thriving Helena community. As a Carroll student, it’s so important to take advantage of service opportunities such as Service Saturday to give back to our community," added Tessa Lewanski, ASCC Class of 2029 Senator.
For Chloe Raats, ASCC Class of 2026 Senator, the experience was both fun and fulfilling. "Service Saturday was a great opportunity to be involved with our community while also being around my classmates. Our group spent the morning cleaning and organizing their grocery area, helping to ensure that community members have access to a welcoming and well-maintained space when they come for food assistance. It means a lot to show up in community and I am glad I got to experience it with other students!"
"It is so amazing to give back to a community that has given me so much since I have been at Carroll College," said Bear Smith, ASCC Class of 2027 Senator.
Madison Yochum, ASCC Class of 2026 Senator, added, "A fun experience at Helena Food Share, where we met Dave, who led our service experience. He told us about the ministry that he was a part of throughout his life, and it was truly inspiring."
The Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice extends heartfelt thanks to all the student volunteers who contributed their time and energy to making this Service Saturday a success.
Students interested in participating in future service events can contact the CPJ team at hunthausencenter@carroll.edu or visit the Carroll College Service Page for details on upcoming opportunities.
