Better Together volunteer event aims to make a difference in the U District
Seattle-area Huskies will help fight food insecurity at this year's fourth annual Better Together community service event on April 26.
Volunteers clean windows at local shops in the University District.
In addition to being home to the University of Washington, Seattle’s University District is the fastest-growing neighborhood in the city. As the population expands on campus and beyond, so do the needs of the neighborhood.
For the past few years, the UW Alumni Association has collaborated with longtime partner BECU to bring volunteers and community organizations together for a dedicated day of service aptly called “Better Together.”
Open to UW staff, students, alumni and retirees, the program unites multiple generations of Huskies and friends. Volunteers split up into small teams to tackle several projects, making new friends in the process. Some clean up trash and wash storefront windows on the Ave with the U District Partnership. Others lend their skills to a different type of cleaning, assisting organizations like the Burke Museum with data cleanup efforts.
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- A volunteer cleans shelves and stocks food at the U District Food Bank at last year’s Better Together event.
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- Last year, volunteers helped with behind-the-scenes prep and organization of food donations.
Food insecurity is an ongoing concern for the area. UWAA coordinates with the U District Food Bank, UW Food Pantry, Friday Feast and the People’s Breakfast to help support their missions to provide food and resources. Past projects include preparing utensil and toiletry kits, facility cleaning, gardening and meal service.
The Better Together partnership continues to expand. In response to heightened demand during the holiday season, UWAA collected non-perishable food items and requested supplies for the UW Food Pantry, resulting in more than 500 pounds of donations.
The next day of service is Sunday, April 26. In addition to previous volunteer opportunities, this year’s iteration will include food collections at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma campuses, and a new local nonprofit partner, Teen Feed.
Service, community and Husky heart. Together, we can make a difference.
Last year’s volunteer service day brought 100 UW staff, students, alumni and retirees together to serve the University District community.