BRIDGEPORT – Some 100 HCC faculty, staff and students gave up their Saturday recently to “give back” to the community In observation of HCC’s annual Day of Community Service, the group assembled at Housatonic, donned bright blue HCC T-Shirts, and marched in a group to the United Congregational Church at Park and Fairfield Avenues, where they would volunteer their time to pitch in and help the church with a variety of projects. Student Snapshots Throughout the morning and early afternoon, volunteers could be seen at a variety of tasks. Student Heather Gabriel of Shelton was busy packing collected clothing while students Justin Torres of Bridgeport and Johnna Vereb of Stratford, shown assembling shelves for storing food, were among those who worked in the food pantry. Student Danielle Zumbo of Monroe was one of many who picked up landscaping tools to lend a hand, as did Graciela Guaman of Bridgeport, John Puglisi of Monroe, and Tiana and Tiffany Johnson of Bridgeport. Student Sergio Escobar of Bridgeport worked at landscaping and grounds cleanup while photographing the event. “Last, year I was unable to attend the event,” Escobar said, “So I made it a point to come this year. I enjoy helping people.” “I feel that, because Housatonic has helped me in so many ways, it’s only right that I give back to the community,” he added. One person who was impressed with the student turnout and enthusiasm was Dean of Community Outreach Denise Bukovan, who attended the event. “I can't remember such great school spirit¸” Bukovan said. “Students marched across town cheering ‘HCC it's where ya wanna be!’ ’the whole way, backed by passing cars honking horns” “The Church is the center of relief activity for this part of the City, offering meals for the poor, a food pantry, a clothes closet and programs for families, including programs for homeless children “ she said. “I went home feeling elated and like I had been part of something very special,” said Bukovan who came to Bridgeport recently from upstate New York. “It was truly a privilege to be a part of this Housatonic experience.”
