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The tenth annual Maryville Reaches Out, held Sept. 20, was another successful day of Maryville service to the greater St. Louis community. A record-setting 1,300 volunteers, including students, faculty and staff, provided assistance to over 90 non-profit agencies.

Each year, the entire Maryville University community is invited to participate in Maryville Reaches Out (MRO), a day-long event. Day classes are cancelled and staff are excused from the office in order to encourage participation.

The project was spearheaded by Aaron Buettner, student coordinator, and Kathy Quinn, dean of students.

A variety of agencies were served, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Gateway Pet Guardians, Family Resource Center, Friends of Kids with Cancer and the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri.

Aaron Randall, a junior majoring in psychology, participated in the Little Sisters of the Poor project, during which volunteers accompanied elderly residents to the St. Louis Zoo.

“I enjoyed seeing the happy looks on the faces of the elderly whom we drove around the zoo. They were extremely welcoming to us. I am happy to have been part of a great experience,” Randall said.

Maryville Reaches Out participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such rewarding volunteering experiences.

Kine Kleppe, a third year student majoring in international business, volunteered at the Missouri Botanical Garden, along with four of her teammates from the Saints women’s tennis team.

“The most rewarding aspect from participating in Maryville Reaches Out was the feeling of being useful and appreciated,” Kleppe said. “Working with so many others who want to make a difference in the community created an inspiring atmosphere, and put a smile on all our faces.”