Student volunteers from the St. Joe’s chapter of Circle K International, a student-led service group, and the Student Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SSMLS) gathered Feb. 23 for an annual project devoted to helping those experiencing homelessness.
Students who attended the event, which took place in the McNeil Science and Technology Center on the University City campus, assembled hygiene kits to combat cold and flu symptoms for people who are unhoused. These kits will be distributed by the Bethesda Project in Philadelphia, an organization focused on care for people experiencing homelessness.
The Circle K chapter receives funding from the university to purchase the supplies, said Shawn Thomas ’25, Circle K’s treasurer.
The annual event began two years ago when then Circle K President Amal Benny ’23 and then SSMLS President Nicolette Markakis ’23, who were roommates at the time, wanted to find a way to collaborate to positively impact the community.
“That was her first year as president and my first year as president, so we were searching ‘What can we do that ties in health and science and service?’” Benny said. “That’s how we came upon the Bethesda Project.”
The number of both student volunteers and assembled wellness kits continues to increase each year, said Benny.
“We started off making 50 bags, then the second year we made 98,” Benny said. “This year, we haven’t counted yet, but I know it’s 100 or over. We’re just going to try to keep increasing that, so we want more students to come and help out because this is a great event.”
Thomas said he is proud of how his team is able to foster community development both on and off campus.
“Everyone is just there for one common purpose, and that is to help others,” Thomas said, “and through that, you foster a really great sense of community of like-mindedness where everyone is just really wanting to help other people.”
Current SSMLS president Trisa Chacko said the event provides students with a chance to do impactful work in an environment that is accessible and convenient.
“I think it’s really nice that people at this campus can come really quick to help people in their community and not have to go really far or take a huge chunk of their time,” Chacko said.
Current Circle K president Hannah Filbert ’24, PharmD ’26 said she enjoys the ability to do service focused on local neighborhoods, and hopes that the event continues to gain traction in years to come.
“If you want to do something just because you can, start helping out,” Filbert said. “Come to our next event. Making a cold and flu kit helps one person, and that’s pretty amazing.”
